The Red Sox got off to a rough start in their series against the Royals, but they’ll look to get back on track in the penultimate game before the MLB All-Star break.
Cole Ragans shut down Boston in Kansas City’s 6-1 win at Fenway Park on Friday. The loss highlighted the Red Sox lineup’s detriments against left-handed starters, but they’ll be back in their comfort zone with right-hander Seth Lugo on the mound.
It also means Jarren Duran returns to his leadoff position, and multiple left-handed batters return to the lineup. Duran will patrol center field with Rob Refsnyder and Wilyer Abreu. Ceddanne Rafaela shifts to shortstop with David Hamilton at second base. Dominic Smith will start at first base, and Reese McGuire rotates in at catcher.
Kutter Crawford will start for the Red Sox. The right-hander is coming off a solid seven-inning outing against the New York Yankees last Sunday.
First pitch for Red Sox-Royals is scheduled at 4:10 p.m. ET, and you can catch full coverage on NESN starting at 3 p.m.
Here are the starting lineups for both sides.
BOSTON RED SOX (51-42)
Jarren Duran, CF
David Hamilton, 2B
Masataka Yoshida, DH
Rafael Devers, 3B
Rob Refsnyder, LF
Wilyer Abreu, RF
Dominic Smith, 1B
Reese McGuire, C
Ceddanne Rafaela, SS
Kutter Crawford, RHP (5-7, 3.24 ERA)
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (52-43)
Adam Frazier, 2B
Bobby Witt Jr., SS
Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
Salvador Pérez, DH
Hunter Renfroe, RF
MJ Melendez, LF
Freddy Fermin, C
Maikel Garcia, 3B
Garrett Hampson, CF
Seth Lugo, RHP (11-3, 2.21 ERA)
