Red Sox All-Star not in lineup for finale vs. Astros

After dropping their last three games, the Boston Red Sox are set to host the Houston Astros in the final game of their three-game set to try and avoid a sweep.

For the matchup, Boston will send James Paxton to the mound while Houston will counter with Hunter Brown.

Here's Alex Cora's lineup, which won't feature Rafael Devers, for the finale:

1. Jarren Duran LF
2. Enmanuel Valdez 2B
3. Wilyer Abreu RF
4. Masataka Yoshida DH
5. Connor Wong C
6. Dom Smith 1B
7. Nick Sogard 3B
8. Ceddanne Rafaela CF
9. David Hamilton SS

And, here's Joe Espada's:

1. Jose Altuve DH
2. Alex Bregman 3B
3. Yordan Alvarez LF
4. Yainer Diaz C
5. Jeremy Pena SS
6. Zach Dezenzo 1B
7. Jake Meyers CF
8. Mauricio Dubon 2B
9. Pedro Leon RF

Paxton has been all right throughout the 2024 season, posting a 4.42 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP while striking out 73 batters over 20 starts. He's made two starts for Boston since being traded, allowing eight runs (five earned) over 10 1/3 innings. Eight Astros have recorded hits against Paxton - Jose Altuve (12-for-37 with two home runs, three RBIs and six walks), Yordan Alvarez (1-for-7 with two RBIs and two walks), Alex Bregman (10-for-33 with two RBIs and three walks), Aledmys Diaz (5-for-11 with a home run and two RBIs), Yainer Diaz (1-for-3), Chas McCormick (1-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs), Jake Meyers (1-for-3) and Jeremy Pena (1-for-3).

Brown has been solid for Houston in his 23 appearances (22 starts), recording a 3.98N ERA and a 1.37 WHIP while striking out 130 batters. He's allowed two or fewer runs in four of his last five starts. Only one Red Sox has recorded a hit against Brown - Dominic Smith (1-for-3).

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