The Red Sox are gearing up for their biggest offensive test of the season so far, but they'll be taking it on without some of their hottest bats. After a dramatic walk-off win Friday night, Boston faces reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on Saturday with a significantly shuffled lineup.
Manager Alex Cora has decided to sit Friday's hero, Masataka Yoshida, along with sparkplug outfielder Jarren Duran, catcher Carlos Narváez, and top prospect Marcelo Mayer. This strategic move leans into a right-handed heavy lineup to counter the Tigers' ace left-hander.
Stepping into key roles are Andruw Monasterio at shortstop, batting second, with Connor Wong behind the plate and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second. Trevor Story will serve as the designated hitter, slotting into the cleanup spot. The outfield features Roman Anthony leading off and playing left field, followed by a trio of right-handed bats in Monasterio, Willson Contreras, and Story.
This configuration is no accident. Skubal was historically dominant against lefties during his Cy Young campaign, holding them to a paltry .215 average. With Yoshida's career numbers against southpaws being less formidable, Cora is playing the matchups. This approach mirrors the lineup he used against Milwaukee lefty Shane Drohan earlier this month.
For the Red Sox, facing elite left-handed pitching is becoming a theme. After seeing only two lefties all season, they now brace for a gauntlet that includes Skubal, followed by Detroit's Framber Valdez and New York's Max Fried. Expect the platoon strategy to continue, with players like Monasterio and Kiner-Falefa earning more starts while Mayer, who has minimal experience against lefties, gets sheltered.
The mound assignment for Boston falls to right-hander Brayan Bello, who is looking to build on a strong outing in St. Louis. The Red Sox will need all hands on deck as they chase their first three-game winning streak of the young season. First pitch from Fenway Park is set for 4:05 p.m. ET in what promises to be a compelling pitcher's duel.