The Boston Red Sox were dealt a lineup-altering blow Friday before first pitch against the Cleveland Indians.
Manager Alex Cora revealed in his pregame press conference that Kiké Hernández tested positive for COVID-19 and Christian Arrroyo was a close contact. With the pair on the COVID-19 related injury list, the Red Sox were crossing their fingers that a pair of WooSox players would be able to make the nearly 200-mile trek from Sahlen Field in Buffalo to Progressive Field in time.
Jonathan Araúz and Yairo Muñoz ended up making it for the game., but the domino effect of the whole situation is felt throughout the lineup. Muñoz will lead off and play left field. Araúz will play second base and bat ninth.
Kyle Schwarber will make his debut at first base, batting second. Rafael Devers will take over as designated hitter, retaining the fourth slot in the lineup.
NESN will air Red Sox-Indians in full. Pregame coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET. First pitch from Progressive Field is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., and postgame coverage immediately will follow the final out. If you can't watch on television, you can stream full coverage of the game online at Watch NESN Live.
Here are the full lineups for Friday's Red Sox-Indians game.
BOSTON RED SOX (73-56)
Yairo Muñoz, LF
Kyle Schwarber, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Rafael Devers, DH
Alex Verdugo, RF
Bobby Dalbec, 3B
Christian Vázquez, C
Jarren Duran, CF
Jonathan Araúz, 2B
Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP (9-7 5.19 ERA)
CLEVELAND INDIANS (63-62)
Myles Straw, CF
Amed Rosario, SS
Jose Ramirez, 3B
Franmil Reyes, DH
Wilson Ramos, C
Bradley Zimmer, RF
Owen Miller, 2B
Yu Chang, 1B
Oscar Mercado, LF
Logan Allen, LHP (1-5 9.13 ERA)
