Red Sox lineup: Masataka Yoshida returns after two game absence, Devers at third base, Criswell on the bump
The Red Sox enter Sunday afternoon’s game against the Tigers looking to claim the three-game series. Boston fell to the Tigers, 2-1, on Saturday after Detroit’s ace, Tarik Skubal, baffled the Red Sox’ lineup over eight innings, allowing just one earned run off four hits while striking out eight.
The Red Sox will turn to Cooper Criswell on Sunday, owning an 4.87 ERA in 10 games on the road. Criswell faced the Tigers earlier this season, getting the decision in a 6-3 win on June 1, allowing just one run on four hits over five frames.
Masataka Yoshida returns to the lineup after sitting the last two days. Among players with 100 plate appearances since the All-Star break, he is hitting .339 with a .409 OBP.
Rafael Devers was the designated hitter in the first two games of the series, and he will start last third base. The slugger is hitless in his last nine at-bats and is 5-for-35 (.143). Devers leads the Red Sox in homers (28), RBI (80), walks (58), OBP (.363), SLG (.560), and OPS (.923).
Jarren Duran is hitting 4-for-9 with two doubles and one homer over the last two games against the Tigers.
Boston made two roster moves prior to the game, recalling infielder Enmanuel Valdez and right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart from Triple-A Worcester. The Red Sox active roster is now set at 28 players with the following Sept. 1 call-ups.
If the Red Sox win the series finale in Detroit, they would improve to 22-16-6 in series play, including 12-7-3 on the road this year.
Sunday MiLB news and notes
Brad Keller starts for the WooSox in the series finale at Polar Park against the Toledo Mud Huns, his first appearance since being designated for assignment earlier in the week.
Trevor Story begins his rehab assignment. He will bat second and be the designated hitter. He will hit behind top Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony and in front of Kristian Campbell and Kyle Teel.
Right-handed starter Grant Gambrell’s season is over after he was placed on the 60-day injured list with right forearm inflammation.
Key stats and Red Sox lineup
Tigers vs. Criswell: Riley Greene 1-2, Colt Keith 0-2, Zach McKinstry 1-2, Jake Rogers 0-2, Spencer Torkelson 0-2, Matt Vierling 2-3
Red Sox vs. Madden: Has not faced any of the Red Sox hitters
Red Sox (70-66) lineup at the Tigers (69-68):
Jarren Duran CF
Masataka Yoshida DH
Rob Refsnyder LF
Rafael Devers 3B
Triston Casas 1B
Connor Wong C
Wilyer Abreu RF
Romy Gonzalez 2B
Nick Sogard SS
SP: RHP Cooper Criswell (5-4, 4.34 ERA)
The first pitch is at 1:40 p.m. and can be seen on NESN, FuboTV, or Sling, and it can be heard on WEEI 93.7 FM.
