As the Boston Red Sox prepare to face the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on Tuesday night, their starting lineup looks a bit different than usual.
As expected, star rookie Roman Anthony is still sidelined after being scratched from Monday’s game with back tightness. After the game, Anthony said he was already starting to feel better and will likely be back in the lineup on Wednesday, barring any setbacks.
Ceddanne Rafaela is also out of the lineup for Tuesday’s game, earning his first day off in four weeks. He’d played 20 straight games for the Red Sox but will take a seat tonight.
With Rafaela out, Jarren Duran slides from left field to center. The Heart & Hustle Award winner will also slot back into the leadoff spot in the order, where he hasn’t hit since July 25.
Masataka Yoshida returns to the lineup for the first time since Friday. While he’s primarily DH’ed this year, he’ll play left field for the second time this season and bat fifth. Yoshida is off to a slow start since making his season debut last month, batting .229/.260/.354 with one homer and four RBI in 14 games.
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While Boston’s lineup has some changes, the team will have its ace on the mound in Garrett Crochet. The All-Star lefty has won his last five starts and is 8-0 with a 2.44 ERA over his previous 10 outings, strengthening his AL Cy Young case. He’s also working on extra rest, as his last start was 10 days ago.
Crochet will face rookie Ryan Bergert, who is making his Royals debut after being traded from the San Diego Padres last week. The 25-year-old righty is 1-0 with a 2.78 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings this season.
The Red Sox are aiming for their seventh straight win after taking Monday’s series opener, 8-5. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
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