Red Sox vs. Yankees lineups: Betts bats third

It's another new look for Boston's lineup Wednesday night as they ry to secure a series win against the Yankees.

So this is interesting. Mookie Betts is certainly deserving of the move to one of the most important traditional spots in the lineup. After David Ortiz and the small sample size pair of Andrew Benintendi and Sandy Leon, he has the best bat on the team, recently overtaking Jackie Bradley Jr. His place in the leadoff spot has been increasingly at odds with his big power numers, too.

Meanwhile, Xander and Pedroia have settled in more as on-base threats than power hitters, though neither man is a stranger to the extra-base hit. If switching a Betts at bat for a Pedroia or Bogaerts at bat every once-in-a-while isn't optimal, they might make up for that by giving Betts more opportunities with men on base. That he's managed 74 RBI while often batting after the likes of Christian Vazquez is no small feat...though with the addition of Andrew Benintendi to the bottom of the order, he might have had plenty of opportunities going forward anyways.

First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN, WEEI, and ESPN.