Red Sox vs. Astros lineups: Brock Holt starts at first, Brian Johnson debuts

It's a suddenly rare start for Brock Holt Tuesday night, as the All-Star takes over at first base for Mike Napoli.

Three lefties in four games or not, Holt has every right to be fuming over the way he was left stewing on the bench for three games after the All-Star break which saw him act as Boston's sole representative. Chosen by the league as the best Boston had to offer, he was more-or-less benched. Treated as a platoon bat that, despite playing just about every position, apparently had no place on the field.

I'd like to think that's not the sort of thing that happens again. Not unless he has a repeat of his 2014 post-ASB decline (which, mind you, probably isn't best avoided by sitting out for days at a time). But I've found myself hoping too often that this Red Sox team would act reasonably over the course of the season, and been disappointed just about every time.

At the very least, though, Brian Johnson should make this start interesting. That doesn't necessarily mean good, and it doesn't necessarily mean bad. But a relatively well-regarded prospect is making his Major League debut, and even if the dreams of contention are dead, his story here is just starting.

First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.