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Mike Napoli is out of the lineup once more, with Travis Shaw getting the start at first base over the struggling veteran.
There's no sugar coating it. The Red Sox have now opted to start both David Ortiz and Travis Shaw at first base over Mike Napoli. They've done this in two games surrounding a day off. It's possible that Napoli hasn't seen his last at bats in a Red Sox uniform, but it seems likely that the team has moved on from him in spirit. Really, it's probably best just to rip that band-aid off. It's a sad state of affairs--Napoli is a favorite for fans and players alike--but his contract is up at season's end, and he's given the Sox little reason to think he's good for another year.
Of course, that will require a long-term solution at first base. Maybe Travis Shaw is that solution, but it seems fairly unlikely. Though, y'know, it occurs to me, the one element obviously missing from this lineup is Alejandro De Aza and, boy, he sure would slot in easily in left field.
If, y'know, they were to try Hanley somewhere else. Somewhere that takes advantage of his career as an infielder.
Just a thought.
First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.
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