After an impressive camp, left-hander Brian Johnson is hoping to continue the run of successful starting pitching that has defined the Boston Red Sox’s season so far.
Johnson will make his seventh career MLB start Monday evening as the Sox — who are in pursuit of their fourth straight win — play the first of a quick two-game set against Miami Marlins.
This is the first time the 27-year-old has made a major league roster out of camp, which comes after he posted a 2-0 record with a 1.72 ERA over five spring training starts. The Florida native made five starts for Boston last season.
J.D. Martinez will get the night off as the Sox take on a National League team, meaning Rafael Devers will hit cleanup and Johnson will bat ninth.
The Red Sox will face Miami starter Trevor Richards, who is making his MLB debut Monday. The 24-year-old righty has never pitched above Double-A, but went a combined 12-11 with a 2.53 ERA between High-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville last season.
Here are your lineups for Red Sox vs. Marlins:
RED SOX (3-1)
Mookie Betts, RF
Andrew Benintendi, LF
Hanley Ramirez, 1B
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Eduardo Nunez, 2B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Christian Vazquez, C
Brian Johnson, LHP (2017 stats: 2-0, 4.33 ERA)
MARLINS (2-2)
Lewis Brinson, CF
Derek Dietrich, LF
Starlin Castro, 2B
Brian Anderson, 3B
Justin Bour, 1B
Cameron Maybin, RF
Miguel Rojas, SS
Bryan Holaday, C
Trevor Richards, RHP (MLB Debut)
