The Boston Red Sox can make a massive statement by stamping a series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Boston and Los Angeles split the first two matchups before Sunday afternoon’s rubber match. Walker Buehler will take the mound against his former team at Fenway Park.
Alex Cora tinkered with his batting order for the final showdown against the defending World Series champions.
For the first time in his MLB career, Roman Anthony will start as Boston’s leadoff hitter. The rookie left fielder swaps places with Jarren Duran, who will instead bat third against right-handed pitcher Dustin May.
The rest of Boston’s lineup card resembles that of recent games against righties. Initially eased back into action off the injured list, Alex Bregman will start in the No. 2 hole for the third straight day. Trevor Story bats cleanup at shortstop ahead of designated hitter Masataka Yoshida, catcher Carlos Narváez and right fielder Wilyer Abreu.
Ceddanne Rafaela starts at second base for the third time this week, and Abraham Toro bats ninth at first base.
Setting the table with Anthony makes sense based on his early results. The 21-year-old has yet to offer much power, tallying two home runs in 39 games, but he’s delivered an excellent .382 on-base percentage.
Anthony has reached base in 18 of 20 games this month, going 2-for-2 with two walks in Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Dodgers. He’s also collected six doubles in the last 10 contests.
Duran, meanwhile, is batting .259 with a .326 OBP following a breakout 2024. The 28-year-old doesn’t possess the typical fence-clearing pop of a No. 3 hitter, but he’s slugging .615 during a red-hot July after tallying a double and two triples on Saturday.
Red Sox fans may see more of this new lineup configuration if the offense produces on Sunday. The game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET.
