Red Sox have new-look lineup Friday with Willson Contreras back — and in No. 2 spot

BOSTON — Not only is Willson Contreras back in the Red Sox lineup Friday after missing a game with back tightness, but he’s Alex Cora’s new No. 2 hitter in a new-look order against the Tigers.

Contreras has hit either third (3 times) or fourth (14 times) in his first 17 games of the season but will provide protection for leadoff man Roman Anthony against the Tigers and former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize in the opener of a four-game set. Right fielder Wilyer Abreu is hitting third ahead of cleanup man Trevor Story in a new alignment at the top of Cora’s lineup.

“Just put them all together and keep rolling,” said Cora. “It just feels right. Roman, Willson, Wilyer and then Trevor, who’s been amazing with men in scoring position, he’s hitting like .320. So, why not?

“Then obviously from there, there’s a lot of athleticism, something we haven’t been able to use because of the scores or not getting on base. Hopefully, we can put pressure on them after Trevor.”

READ: Alex Cora explains changes to Red Sox lineup

Third baseman Caleb Durbin, who hit second five times on the most recent road trip, is hitting eighth. Connor Wong is catching for the second straight game and will work with Ranger Suárez for the first time all season. Anthony is the designated hitter with playing left field and hitting fifth. is the odd man out of the outfield/DH mix despite hitting .286 with an .852 OPS so far this season.