Mookie Betts will return to the Boston Red Sox lineup, serving as the designated hitter, for the start of a four-game series in Tampa Bay.
The Boston Red Sox lineup will get a boost with Mookie Betts returning to his familiar spot at the top of the order.
Betts was scratched from Saturday’s game in Philadelphia last weekend due to soreness in his foot. He would end up missing five games, including both games against the Phillies and a brief three-game homestand against the San Francisco Giants.
It’s unclear exactly when Betts was injured but it’s believed that the soreness was the result of playing on the artificial surface in Toronto. Betts last appeared in the three games against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.
The Rays play on a similar turf field at Tropicana Field, which makes this a less-than-ideal environment for Betts to make his return. He’ll serve as the designated hitter for the opener of the series to keep him off the turf as much as possible.
Weekend at the Trop.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 20, 2019
Your @ParkWhiz Lineup: pic.twitter.com/NKAkBJS4xR
J.D. Martinez remains out of the lineup for the third consecutive game due to groin tightness, making the DH spot available for Betts.
The return of Betts to the leadoff spot bounces Andrew Benintendi back to fifth in the order. Benny has been slumping this month with a dismal .135 batting average but he had a pair of multi-hit games while hitting at the top of the lineup during Betts’ absence.
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Brock Holt slots in behind Benintendi in the order, playing right field. It’s a rare opportunity for Holt to play right considering the Red Sox usually have a Gold Glove winner at the position. The Brockstar can play anywhere though.
Tampa Bay will send Charlie Morton to the hill. While he’s been one of the league’s best pitchers this season, the Red Sox have had some success against him. Morton is 2-0 against Boston this season but with a 4.10 ERA that’s nearly a full run above his season average. The Red Sox tagged him for four runs without letting him escape the fifth inning when they last faced him in July.
A few Red Sox hitters have great track records against Morton, including Betts. He’s 6-for-17 with a pair of doubles against the right-hander.
There was hope that this September series would mean something but the Red Sox couldn’t quite keep the race interesting long enough. They will be officially eliminated from the Wild Card hunt with another loss – or a win by the Rays or Cleveland Indians. Tampa Bay is tied with Cleveland for the second Wild Card spot so even if the Red Sox can’t win it for themselves, they can take solace in putting a dent into the chances of their division rival.