The Boston Red Sox have won back-to-back games against the Tampa Bay Rays after losing on Opening Day. They’ll send right-hander Hector Velazquez to the mound for the final installment of the four-game series at Tropicana Field on Sunday.
Also making his first appearance of the 2018 season is Blake Swihart, who will start as the designated hitter and bat eighth. Swihart, who is coming off a great spring training, will look to prove his bat belongs in the lineup.
Velazquez appeared in eight games (three starts) last season, and pitched to a 3-1 record with a 2.92 ERA. The Rays will counter with righty Jake Faria, who made 14 starts last season.
Other notable changes to Boston’s lineup include Xander Bogaerts moving up to the cleanup spot, and Rafael Devers getting the nod in the two-hole. J.D. Martinez will start in left field and bat third for the visitors.
Here are your complete lineups for Red Sox vs. Rays:
BOSTON RED SOX (2-1)
Mookie Betts, RF
Rafael Devers, 3B
J.D. Martinez, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Christian Vazquez, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Blake Swihart, DH
Brock Holt, 2B
Hector Velazquez, RHP (2017 stats: 3-1, 2.92 ERA)
TAMPA BAY RAYS (1-2)
Denard Span, DH
Kevin Kiermaier, CF
Carlos Gomez, RF
Brad Miller, 1B
Matt Duffy, 3B
Joey Wendle, 2B
Wilson Ramos, C
Mallex Smith, LF
Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
Jake Faria, RHP (2017 stats: 5-4, 3.43 ERA)
