BOSTON — Manager Alex Cora is going with a different Red Sox lineup Friday.
Cora has right-handed hitter Rob Refsnyder leading off. Left-handed hitter Jarren Duran, who typically leads off against both lefties and righties, is batting second against the Royals at Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m.
Boston will face Royals lefty Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.28 ERA).
“We’ve been struggling against lefties so trying to change it,” Cora said. “Maybe it works. Maybe it doesn’t. But he’s one of the best in the big leagues. So kind of like throw something different lineup-wise.”
Refsnyder is 21-for-68 (.309 batting average) with a .434 on-base percentage, three homers and four doubles against left-handed pitchers this year.
Cora has right-handed hitter Romy Gonzalez at first base. Jamie Westbrook, another right-handed hitter, is playing second base.
Boston made four roster moves before the game, including recalling righty Cooper Criswell who will start on the mound. The Red Sox placed righty Justin Slaten on the IL with right elbow inflammation, optioned righty Trey Wingenter to Worcester and recalled lefty Cam Booser.
The Red Sox’ concern level for Slaten is minimal. They hope he’ll be back July 22 when Boston plays at Colorado. No imaging is scheduled.
Red Sox lineup
1. Rob Refsnyder RF
2. Jarren Duran LF
3. Tyler O’Neill DH
4. Rafael Devers 3B
5. Connor Wong C
6. Romy Gonzalez 1B
7. Jamie Westbrook 2B
8. Ceddanne Rafaela CF
9. David Hamilton SS
Starting pitchers: LHP Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.28 ERA) vs. RHP Cooper Criswell (3-3, 4.15 ERA).
