Red Sox will be without two starting infielders for series finale vs. Blue Jays

After the Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 on Wednesday night , the two teams will meet again on Thursday at Fenway Park for their fifth meeting in four days.

For the matchup, Boston will send Kutter Crawford to the mound while Toronto will counter with Bowden Francis.

Here's Alex Cora's lineup (which won't feature Rafael Devers or David Hamilton) for the finale:

1. Jarren Duran CF
2. Mickey Gasper 2B
3. Tyler O’Neill LF
4. Triston Casas 1B
5. Wilyer Abreu RF
6. Masataka Yoshida DH
7. Danny Jansen C
8. Nick Sogard 3B
9. Ceddanne Rafaela SS

And, here's John Schneider's:

1. George Springer RF
2. Daulton Varsho CF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. DH
4. Spencer Horwitz 1B
5. Addison Barger 3B
6. Ernie Clement SS
7. Joey Loperfido LF
8. Leo Jimenez 2B
9. Brian Serven C

Crawford has been all right for Boston this year, posting a 4.18 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP while striking out 138 batters. He pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings against Toronto in his time facing them. Two Blue Jays have recorded hits against him in his career - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (4-for-9 with two RBIs and a walk) and George Springer (4-for-10 with a home run, two RBIs and a walk).

Francis has been solid for Toronto in his 22 outings (eight starts) in 2024, posting a 4.02 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP while striking out 70 batters. He's allowed two or fewer runs in his last five appearances (four starts). Only one Red Sox has ever recorded a hit against him - Rob Refsnyder (1-for-1 with an RBI).

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