Red Sox Shuffle Lineup as Offense Looks Break Out Against Yankees
The Boston Red Sox are making several changes to their lineup as they look to end a troubling offensive slump against the New York Yankees.
Boston unveiled a revamped lineup for Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium, with Jahmai Jones moving into the leadoff spot and taking over as the designated hitter.
Jarren Duran is not in the starting lineup against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón.
Ceddanne Rafaela will bat second and start in center field, while Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin occupy the next three spots in the order.
Here is Boston’s Game 1 lineup:
1. Jahmai Jones — DH
2. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
3. Wilyer Abreu — RF
4. Willson Contreras — 1B
5. Caleb Durbin — 3B
6. Adley Rutschman — C
7. Andruw Monasterio — SS
8. Nick Sogard — 2B
9. Eli White — LF
Jake Bennett is scheduled to start on the mound for Boston.
Red Sox Desperate for Offensive Spark
The lineup changes come as Boston searches for answers at the plate after consecutive shutout losses.
The Red Sox dropped Friday night’s series opener 1-0, collecting just two hits against Yankees starter Cam Schlittler and the New York bullpen. Boston did draw five walks but went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.
The loss marked the second straight game in which the Red Sox were shut out.
Boston’s pitching staff once again gave the team a chance to win. Patrick Sandoval allowed just one run — a solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt — over 5 1/3 innings, but the offense could not provide enough support.
With the Yankees using a left-handed starter in Rodón, interim manager Chad Tracy has turned to Jones at the top of the order in hopes of creating a spark.
Eli White will also get a start in the outfield, replacing Duran, while Rutschman returns behind the plate after Connor Wong started Friday’s game.
The Red Sox need significantly more production from their lineup, particularly from the middle of the order. Saturday’s doubleheader gives Boston two opportunities to reverse it
s recent struggles and gain ground in the American League East race.
Boston entered Saturday at 73-61, three games behind the 76-58 Yankees.
With another rivalry game scheduled for Sunday, the Red Sox have a chance to make up ground quickly.
But before they can make a move in the standings, they have to find a way to put runs on the board.
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