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Willson Contreras returns to the Red Sox lineup as the new No. 2 hitter against the Tigers after missing a game due to back tightness. This change is part of a revamped batting order aimed at improving offensive performance.
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.
Willson Contreras is batting second to provide protection for leadoff man Roman Anthony and to enhance the team's offensive strategy against the Tigers.
The key players in the new lineup include Willson Contreras, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Trevor Story.
Willson Contreras missed the previous game due to back tightness.
Trevor Story has been performing well, hitting approximately .320 with men in scoring position.
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“That’s the tricky part of it. I was tempted today to play him but I think getting Jarren in the outfield and getting him going is very important,” Cora said.
Cora is clearly intent on trying something new to jump-start an offense that ranks 23rd in baseball in OPS (.681), 22nd in runs (77), 24th in slugging percentage (.355) and 29th in home runs (12).
On the mound, Suárez will look to keep the momentum after pitching six shutout innings in St. Louis on Saturday. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET and the game will air exclusively on Apple TV. The Red Sox will wear their “Fenway Greens” jerseys for the first time as they begin an important homestand by welcoming the Tigers into town for the first of four games.
DETROIT TIGERS (10-9) vs. BOSTON RED SOX (7-11) · FENWAY PARK · BOSTON, MA · GAME 19
FIRST PITCH: 7:15 p.m. ET
TV CHANNEL: Apple TV
RADIO: WEEI 93.7 FM
PITCHING PROBABLES: RHP Casey Mize (1-1, 3.94 ERA) vs. LHP Ranger Suárez (1-1, 5.02 ERA)
RED SOX LINEUP:
TIGERS LINEUP:
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