The Boston Red Sox are shaking up their batting order in an effort to generate some offense against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Boston’s bats have gone quiet amid the team’s three-game losing streak, and manager Alex Cora is toying with a new lineup combination atop the order with hopes of producing a breakout. Second baseman Trevor Story returns from an off day to bat leadoff. Left fielder Alex Verdugo bats second for the second consecutive game and follows Story for the first time in their short tenure as teammates.
Designated hitter J.D. Martinez moves up one spot to bat fourth, behind shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
Center fielder Kiké Hernández drops from the leadoff spot to fifth in Boston’s batting order.
With Story returning, Christian Arroyo moves from second base to third base and bats eighth. Rafael Devers starts on the bench, as Cora opts to rest the third baseman.
Catcher Christian Vázquez also returns to the lineup and he’ll bat ninth.
Right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta starts for the Red Sox. The British Colombia native makes his second start for the Red Sox in Toronto. He pitched six scoreless innings and gave up only one hit Aug. 7, 2021 in the Red Sox’s 1-0 loss to the Blue Jays.
Toronto counters with righty Kevin Gausman.
Red Sox-Blue Jays coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on NESN with “Red Sox First Pitch,” followed by “Red Sox Gameday live.” First pitch from Rogers Centre is scheduled for 7:07 p.m., and postgame coverage will follow the final out.
Remember, if you’re on the go you can catch Red Sox-Blue Jays online at Watch NESN Live.
Here are the starting lineups:
BOSTON RED SOX (7-10)
Trevor Story, 2B
Alex Verdugo, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
J.D. Martinez, DH
Kiké Hernández, CF
Jackie Bradley Jr., RF
Bobby Dalbec, 1B
Christian Arroyo, 3B
Christian Vázquez, C
Nick Pivetta, RHP (0-3, 10.03 ERA)
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (11-6)
George Springer, RF
Bo Bichette, SS
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., DH
Zack Collins, C
Matt Chapman, 3B
Raimel Tapia, LF
Santiago Espinal, 2B
Gosuke Katoh, 1B
Bradley Zimmer, CF
Kevin Guasman, RHP (1-1 2.89 ERA)
