Alex Cora has another weapon in his arsenal against a lefty
The Boston Red Sox broke their slump Friday night, and they’ll get a huge boost to the lineup Saturday.
Trevor Story was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. The 31-year-old had what was thought to be season-ending shoulder surgery in April, but after field work and rehab assignment in Triple-A Worcester, he’ll start at shortstop Saturday and bat seventh.
With a matchup against left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, Alex Cora also made other changes to the lineup. Ceddanne Rafaela will move to second base on normal nights, but he’ll patrol center field Saturday with Tyler O’Neill in right field. Romy González will start at second base, and Connor Wong will start at first base with Danny Jansen at catcher. Rob Refsnyder will be the designated hitter meaning Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida and Triston Casas get the night off.
Boston is five games behind in the American League wild-card race heading into Saturday’s matchup.
First pitch for Red Sox-White Sox at Fenway Park is scheduled at 7:15 p.m. ET.
Here are the starting lineups for both sides.
BOSTON RED SOX (71-70)
Jarren Duran, LF
Rafael Devers, 3B
Rob Refsnyder, DH
Tyler O’Neill, RF
Romy González, 2B
Connor Wong, 1B
Trevor Story, SS
Danny Jansen, C
Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
Cooper Criswell, RHP (5-4, 4.14 ERA)
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (32-110)
Nicky Lopez, SS
Luis Robert Jr., CF
Andrew Benintendi, LF
Andrew Vaughn, 1B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Lenyn Sosa, 2B
Dominic Fletcher, RF
Miguel Varga, 3B
Chuckie Robinson, C
Garrett Crochet, LHP (6-10, 3.61 ERA)