Red Sox to use two catchers in lineup for series opener vs. Astros

After the Boston Red Sox split a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, they'll take on the Houston Astros for a three-game series at Minute Maid Park starting on Monday.

For the matchup, Boston will send Tanner Houck to the mound while Houston will counter with Yusei Kikuchi.

Here's Alex Cora's lineup for the opener:

1. Jarren Duran CF
2. Tyler O’Neill RF
3. Rob Resfnyder LF
4. Rafael Devers 3B
5. Romy Gonzalez 2B
6. Danny Jansen C
7. Triston Casas 1B
8. Connor Wong DH
9. Ceddanne Rafaela SS

Houck has been impressive for Boston this year, posting a 3.01 ERA (seventh in baseball) and a 1.15 WHIP (23rd) while striking out 127 (tied for 41st) in 24 starts. He allowed just one run in his last start against Houston. Eight Astros have recorded hits against him in his career - Jose Altuve (1-for-8 with a home run, two RBIs and a walk), Yordan Alvarez (1-for-3 with a walk), Alex Bregman (2-for-6 with a walk), Mauricio Dubon (1-for-2 with a walk)< Chas McCormick (1-for-5), Jake Meyers (1-for-2), Jeremy Pena (1-for-5 with a walk) and Jon Singleton (1-for-4 with a walk).

Kikuchi has been all right for Houston this year, posting a 4.49 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP while striking out 154 hitters (tied for 14th) over 25 starts. He's allowed two or fewer runs in all three starts since being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline. Seven Red Sox have recorded hits against him - Rafael Devers (3-for-15 with two home runs and four RBIs), Romy Gonzalez (2-for-4), Tyler O'Neill (2-for-2 with two solo home runs), Ceddanne Rafaela (1-for-2 with a solo home run), Rob Refsnyder (3-for-8 with two RBIs and a walk)< Connor Wong (3-for-6) and Masataka Yoshida (2-for-4 with a solo home run).

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