The Red Sox are turning to a reshuffled lineup as they open a four-game set against the Orioles on Thursday night, with Adley Rutschman back in the mix and a pair of regulars getting a breather.
Rutschman is set to bat third and catch at Camden Yards, his first appearance in Baltimore since the Orioles traded him to Boston on Aug. 3.
He missed the three-game series against the Seattle Mariners after dealing with a hyperextended right elbow, an injury he first suffered Aug. 24 against the Miami Marlins. The issue has lingered with swelling and discomfort, but Boston is getting him back at a time when the club needs some stability after dropping five of its last seven and giving up 33 runs over the final four games of its recent homestand.
Boston’s lineup was released shortly before the opener, and it brings a few notable changes. Roman Anthony stays in the leadoff spot as the designated hitter, with Mickey Gasper hitting second and starting at first base. Rutschman follows in the three-hole, and Wilyer Abreu bats fourth in right field.
The middle of the order features Nick Sogard, Caleb Durbin and Jarren Duran from fifth through seventh. Eli White starts in center field and hits eighth, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa takes over at shortstop and bats ninth.
Ceddanne Rafaela is out after leaving Wednesday’s 8-3 loss to Seattle with right quadriceps tightness. The early word on Rafaela was encouraging, but interim manager Chad Tracy is clearly not forcing the issue with one of his key players.
Trevor Story is also sitting after just coming back from the injured list. He played in all three games against Seattle and went 4-for-13 with two walks.
On the mound, Boston will start left-hander Jake Bennett. He comes in at 9-6 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 93 2/3 innings, and he last pitched five shutout innings against the New York Yankees. Baltimore will counter with right-hander Brandon Young, who is 9-3 with a 3.38 ERA.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Boston enters the series at 75-65, six games ahead of the 69-71 Orioles in the American League standings.
Here is Boston’s complete lineup:
Roman Anthony, DH
Mickey Gasper, 1B
Adley Rutschman, C
Wilyer Abreu, RF
Nick Sogard, 2B
Caleb Durbin, 3B
Jarren Duran, LF
Eli White, CF
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS
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