The Red Sox and Braves figuratively kick off their Saturday preseason game this afternoon at 1:05 p.m. in Ft. Myers, unless they institute some sort of soccer rule beforehand and do it literally. This one is on NESN+.
A day after making his spring debut in the DH spot, Xander Bogaerts is back in the DH spot. “I feel completely ready right now,” Bogaerts told reporters after his 0-2 performance behind Garrett Richards (who finally flashed some of his considerable talent), and X hoped he’d be back at short by Tuesday.
Today, Martín Perez takes the mound against Ian Anderson, a formidable opponent, while the Sox also face down the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr., Dansby Swanson and “guy whose name sounds like mine if you say it real fast,” Ryan Goins. Kiké Hernández is back at shortstop for the Sox, whose lineup looks otherwise pretty cut and dried for this lovely afternoon, with the exception of Hunter Renfroe making his first start in center. That’s all we got today, folks. Enjoy your Saturdays!
Braves lineup
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., CF
2. Ozzie Albies, 2B
3. Dansby Swanson, SS
4. Jake Lamb, 1B
5. Abraham Almonte, LF
6. Phillip Ervin, RF
7. William Contreras, C
8. Ehire Adrianza, 3B
9. Ryan Goins, DH
SP: Ian Anderson, RHP
Red Sox lineup
1. Kiké Hernández, SS
2. Alex Verdugo, RF
3. Xander Bogaerts, DH
4. Rafael Devers, 3B
5. Hunter Renfroe, CF
6. Marwin Gonzalez, LF
7. Christian Vázquez, C
8. Bobby Dalbec, 1B
9. Jonathan Araúz, 2B
SP: Martín Perez, LHP