Alex Bregman is back.
The Red Sox third baseman was officially activated from the injured list prior to Friday’s game and will bat second in his return against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Hunter Dobbins was also activated and will get the start against Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen.
Infielder David Hamilton and right-hander Isaiah Campbell were optioned to Triple-A to clear space on the roster, paving the way for Marcelo Mayer to take over the bulk of the playing time at second base. The rookie will start at second and bat seventh, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Mayer will see a lot of action while still occasionally playing third when the club gives Alex Bregman a day off his feet as he eases his way back.
Masataka Yoshida will start at designated hitter and Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu will comprise the outfield alignment. Roman Anthony will come off the bench.
Entering Friday the Red Sox have won seven straight games and are a season-high five games over .500 at 50-45. With a win over the Rays the Red Sox would move into third in the AL East and second in the AL Wild Card standings.
Red Sox lineup
Jarren Duran LF
Alex Bregman 3B
Masataka Yoshida DH
Carlos Narvaez C
Wilyer Abreu RF
Trevor Story SS
Marcelo Mayer 2B
Abraham Toro 1B
Ceddanne Rafaela CF
Hunter Dobbins P
How to watch
When: 7:10 p.m.
Where: Fenway Park, Boston
Broadcast info: NESN, WEEI 93.7 FM, WCCM 1490 AM (Spanish), WESX 1230 AM (Spanish)
