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The Boston Red Sox are coming off a triumphant series finale against the Minnesota Twins and aim to take their third series win in a row. The Red Sox will hope to keep their bats alive in a hitter-friendly Progressive Field after a 12-2 victory last night.
Eduardo Rodriguez will challenge the Indians offense that ranks 10th in the American League in runs scored. E-Rod has not exactly put together a career year but is riding a strong August. Rodriguez is 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in 20 innings this month.
Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Indians for the first time since July 5th. Allen has been splitting his time between the big leagues and Triple-A this season. He has been given a short leash all season and will essentially be an opener. His longest starts this season were five innings on April 5th and 11th. Allen is 1-5 with a 9.13 ERA in 22.2 innings pitched. He’s only struck out 15 batters and walked 11. His 1.81 WHIP this season bodes extremely well for the Red Sox lineup tonight. He’ll provide plenty of scoring opportunities, lets hope the Red Sox decide to take advantage.
The Red Sox are experiencing more Covid-19 issues as Kiké Hernández has tested positive. Christian Arroyo is considered a close contact and will not be available tonight. Jonathan Araúz and Yairo Muñoz will replace them on the roster for the time being. Muñoz is making his 2021 Red Sox debut and has made headlines for his 35-game hit streak in Worcester. He will be swinging away as the leadoff hitter. Muñoz has swung at 58% of pitches thrown his way in Triple-A. Araúz will bat ninth and play second base tonight.
Xander Bogaerts will return to the lineup after his off day in yesterdays game. He may be a little fatigued after cheering on the Red Sox 12-2 win last night. Bobby Dalbec will be back in the lineup after his two-homer, seven-RBI night. Hunter Renfroe is not in the lineup after being placed on the bereavement list before yesterday’s game.
Here are the starting lineups for tonight’s series opener in Cleveland:
Game 130 at Indians
| Lineup spot | Red Sox | Indians |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup spot | Red Sox | Indians |
| 1 | Yairo Muñoz, | Myles Straw, CF |
| 2 | Kyle Schwarber, | Amed Rosarrio, SS |
| 3 | Xander Bogaerts, SS | José Ramírez, 3B |
| 4 | Rafael Devers, 3B | Franmil Reyes, DH |
| 5 | J.D. Martinez, DH | Wilson Ramos, C |
| 6 | Jarren Duran, CF | Bradley Zimmer, RF |
| 7 | Bobby Dalbec, 1B | Owen Miller, 2B |
| 8 | Christian Vázquez, C | Yu Chang, 1B |
| 9 | Jonathan Arauz, 2B | Oscar Mercado, LF |
| SP | Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP | Logan Allen, LHP |