Red Sox put first baseman back in lineup for opener vs. Rays

After a day off on Monday, the Boston Red Sox are down in St. Petersburg, Florida for a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays starting on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

For the matchup, Boston will send Nick Pivetta to the mound while Tampa Bay with counter with Shane Baz.

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

1. Jarren Duran CF
2. Rafael Devers 3B
3. Tyler O'Neill LF
4. Masataka Yoshida DH
5. Connor Wong C
6. Wilyer Abreu RF
7. Triston Casas 1B
8. Trevor Story SS
9. Ceddanne Rafaela 2B

And, here's Kevin Cash's:

1. Yandy Diaz DH
2. Brandon Lowe 2B
3. Junior Caminero 3B
4. Jonathan Aranda 1B
5. Christopher Morel LF
6. Josh Lowe RF
7. Jose Caballero SS
8. Logan Driscoll C
9. Jose Siri CF

Pivetta has been all right for Boston this season, posting a 4.24 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP while striking out 156 batters in 24 appearances (23 starts) this season. He's allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last three outings. Six Rays have recorded hits against him in his career - Jonny DeLuca (1-for-2), Yandy Diaz (6-for-24 with seven walks), Brandon Lowe (4-for-16 with three home runs, five RBIs and five walks), Josh Lowe (1-for-5 with a solo home run), Jose Siri (1-for-4) and Taylor Walls (1-for-8 with three RBIs and two walks).

Baz has been really good for Tampa Bay in his 11 starts in 2024, posting a 3.28 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP while striking out 50 batters. He's allowed two or fewer runs in his last four outings. Only one Red Sox has ever faced Baz in his career - Rafael Devers (0-for-2).

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