Some of the Boston Red Sox’s heaviest hitters are getting a night off after helping the team clinch the American League East.
The Red Sox won another division title Wednesday night despite losing to the New York Yankees 5-3 after first baseman Mark Teixeira’s walk-off grand slam. And Boston is in full playoff mode now, making sure its starters get some rest Thursday before the real hard work begins.
Aaron Hill is leading off and playing third base as Brock Holt and Boston’s usual No. 1 hitter Dustin Pedroia are out of Thursday’s lineup. Deven Marrero will start at second base in Pedroia’s stead and bat last, while Travis Shaw takes over at first base for Hanley Ramirez and bats eighth. Mookie Betts and Sandy Leon are getting some time off their feet, too, so Chris Young will play right field and bat fifth, while Ryan Hanigan catches and bats seventh. Left fielder Andrew Benintendi also will get bumped up to the No. 2 spot in the order.
David Ortiz, however, will play in his final game at Yankee Stadium and bat cleanup.
Henry Owens is on the mound in place of Drew Pomeranz, who’s been battling some soreness in his left forearm and has pitched a career-high 169 1/3 innings this season. Owens hasn’t had much success in the bigs this year, but he did pitch against the Yankees on April 29 with good results. The left-hander allowed just two runs over six innings with three walks and three strikeouts in a 4-2 win.
Here are both teams’ lineups for Thursday’s contest.
RED SOX (92-66)
Aaron Hill, 3B
Andrew Benintendi, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Chris Young, RF
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Ryan Hanigan, C
Travis Shaw, 1B
Deven Marrero, 2B
Henry Owens, LHP (0-1, 7.79 ERA)
YANKEES (82-76)
Brett Gardner, LF
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Gary Sanchez, DH
Starlin Castro, 2B
Didi Gregorius, SS
Chase Headley, 3B
Brian McCann, C
Aaron Hicks, RF
Tyler Austin, 1B
CC Sabathia, LHP (8-12, 4.02 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
