:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69790165/usa_today_16645549.0.jpg)
The Red Sox go for their third straight win and six victory in seven tries when they finish up their series against the Indians this afternoon in Cleveland behind Tanner Houck (1:10 p.m., NESN).
The big news for Boston coming off of Saturday’s game was the return to the lineup of J.D. Martinez, not just in body but in his all his gloriousness, which had been conspicuously absent for far too long. Martinez went 3-5 and hit what was the game-winning homer in the 10th inning, giving Boston another skin-of-their-teeth win as they stay afloat in the AL East. And wouldn’t you know it, the Yankees finally lost! Things really are looking up.
Today Houck will look to notch his first proper win, though his pitching has been quite good either way. He’ll be matched by righty Eli Morgan, a rookie with an ERA just under 6. This would be a great chance for the Sox to break out the brooms for the first time since they swept Baltimore two weeks ago. Let’s speak it into existence.
The lineup is a little different, with walk specialist Kyle Schwarber now in the leadoff spot and Rafael Devers right behind him. Otherwise it’s what you’d expect from the COVID-depleted club. Here are the full lineups:
Game 132 vs. Indians
| Lineup spot | Red Sox | Indians |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup spot | Red Sox | Indians |
| 1 | Kyle Schwarber, LF | Myles Straw, CF |
| 2 | Rafael Devers, 3B | Amed Rosario, SS |
| 3 | J.D. Martinez, DH | José Ramirez, 3B |
| 4 | Xander Bogaerts, SS | Franmil Reyes, DH |
| 5 | Alex Verdugo, RF | Bradley Zimmer, RF |
| 6 | Kevin Plawecki, C | Bobby Bradley, 1B |
| 7 | Bobby Dalbec, 1B | Wilsom Ramos, C |
| 8 | Jarren Duran, CF | Daniel Johnson, LF |
| 9 | Jonathan Araúz, 2B | Andrés Giménez, 2B |
| SP | Tanner Houck, RHP | Eli Morgan, RHP |