The Boston Red Sox look to salvage a four-game split against the Detroit Tigers after pulling out a win in yesterday’s back-and-forth affair.
The Red Sox came back from four separate deficits to finally put down the Tigers 7-5 in yesterday’s game. Sandy Leon played the part of the hero again, delivering a two-run single in the eighth that sparked their eventual winning rally. Meanwhile, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. was sent back to Boston to receive an MRI on his right knee after falling awkwardly in Saturday’s game. The initial X-Rays came back negative, providing a sense of optimism, but he’s been recently diagnosed with a right knee sprain. While we originally thought he might avoid the DL, the results of the MRI have complicated the situation.
Red Sox lineup: Starting Pitcher – Chris Sale
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Andrew Benintendi, CF
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Mitch Moreland, 1B
- Pablo Sandoval, DH
- Chris Young, LF
- Brock Holt, 3B
- Sandy Leon, C
- Marco Hernandez, SS
Chris Sale will take the mound for the second time this season – looking to follow up on his dominant debut last Wednesday against the Pirates. Matched up against Tigers ace Justin Verlander, today’s game is a borderline must-watch event.
The Red Sox clubhouse is still recovering from a flu epidemic that has claimed half the roster and broadcast team. Mookie Betts is back in the lineup for the second consecutive game, but DH Hanley Ramirez and LHP Robbie Ross Jr. remain unavailable.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts was expected to return from bereavement leave yesterday after the death of his grandmother, however, his flight to Detroit was canceled. Marco Hernandez will take over for him and is 4-for-11 (.364) in three games this season.
Tigers lineup: Starting Pitcher – Justin Verlander
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Nick Castellanos, 3B
- Miguel Cabrera, 1B
- Victor Martinez, DH
- Justin Upton, LF
- Mikie Mahtook, RF
- James McCann, C
- JaCoby Jones, CF
- Jose Iglesias, SS
Next: Travelling in the American League East
First pitch is set for 1:10 pm. This one will be available on MLB Network, NESN, MLB TV, and WEEI. The Red Sox will host the Orioles for a two-game set following today’s series finale.