Adley Rutschman back in fifth spot in lineup after best game with Red Sox; Wilyer Abreu hitting third
When Adley Rutschman made his Red Sox debut, he was hitting third and Wilyer Abreu hit fifth. Now, things have flipped.
The Boston Red Sox made a strategic lineup adjustment on Tuesday night, flipping Wilyer Abreu and Adley Rutschman's positions, which proved effective in their 11-run victory against the Diamondbacks. Abreu will continue batting third, while Rutschman now occupies the fifth spot against Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly. Both players have been in the lineup together for the past four games, with Contreras in the first spot.
Rutschman, who has been struggling with a .136 batting average and nine strikeouts in six games, had his best offensive performance since being traded to Boston, going 2-for-5 with an RBI double in the win. Interim manager Chad Tracy believes that as long as Willson Contreras remains in the lineup, Abreu and Rutschman can be interchangeable based on their performance.
Mickey Gasper, who hit his first Red Sox homer in Monday's game, will serve as the designated hitter. The Red Sox are aiming for their first series win in four attempts after losing the previous three to the Athletics, Blue Jays, and Pirates. They have two opportunities to secure a victory against Arizona, who is without Ketel Marte and Nolan Arenado.
Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez, who has struggled since returning from the injured list, will take the mound, posting a 3.78 ERA in his last five starts. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
