The expectation always was that David Ortiz would sit one of the games against the Los Angeles Angels this weekend. It turns out that day will be Saturday.
Ortiz will start the evening on the bench as the Red Sox face left-hander Hector Santiago at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Hanley Ramirez will shift over to designated hitter, and Travis Shaw will take his place at first base. That means Aaron Hill will start at third base, while Jackie Bradley Jr. will bat in Big Papi’s usual cleanup spot. Brock Holt also will start the game on the bench, as Bryce Brentz will man left field instead.
The Red Sox rebounded from a heartbreaking loss against the Angels in Game 1 of their four-game series with a victory Friday night thanks to a dominant performance from starter Rick Porcello.
Boston will hope for more of the same from Drew Pomeranz, who will take the mound against L.A. on Saturday.
First pitch is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
Here are the lineups for Saturday’s game:
RED SOX (56-45)
Mookie Betts, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Aaron Hill, 3B
Travis Shaw, 1B
Bryce Brentz, LF
Sandy Leon, C
Drew Pomeranz, LHP (8-8, 2.84 ERA)
ANGELS (45-56)
Yunel Escobar, 3B
Mike Trout, CF
Albert Pujols, DH
Jefry Marte, 1B
Andrelton Simmons, SS
Jeff Bandy, C
Johnny Giavotella, 2B
Gregorio Petit, LF
Shane Robinson, RF
Hector Santiago, LHP (9-4, 4.28 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports Images