Boston Red Sox vs. Orioles set for four-game series opener at Camden Yards
BALTIMORE — The Red Sox will mix up their lineup for the start of a four-game set at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, with Monday’s game set for 6:35 p.m. The visit to Baltimore will feature David Hamilton at second base and Connor Wong behind the plate, while Ceddanne Rafaela returns to center field after starting at second base on Sunday. Masataka Yoshida will serve as the designated hitter, and starting catcher Carlos Narváez will begin the game on the bench.
Boston will open with left-hander Brennan Bernardino, followed by right-hander Richard Fitts who is expected to work as the bulk reliever. This is just the second time the Sox have used an opener this season; Bernardino did the job on July 2 at home against the Reds, delivering 1⅔ scoreless innings.
On the mound for Boston, Bernardino will face Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugano, who comes into the game at 10-5 with a 3.97 ERA. Sugano faced the Red Sox at Fenway Park last Tuesday, allowing one unearned run over five innings and did not figure in the decision of Baltimore’s 4-3, 11-inning victory.
Team notes and context:
– The Red Sox sit at 71-60 on the season, while the Orioles are 60-70.
– The game will be broadcast on NESN with radio coverage on WEEI 93.7 FM.
– Game 132 of Boston’s schedule places important emphasis on bullpen management and lineup versatility, with Rafaela’s return to center field adding speed and range to the outfield alignment.
Red Sox lineup (as announced for this game):
– Roman Anthony — RF
– Alex Bregman — 3B
– Jarren Duran — LF
– Trevor Story — SS
– Nathaniel Lowe — 1B
– Masataka Yoshida — DH
– Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
– David Hamilton — 2B
– Connor Wong — C
Oriole lineup details were not provided in the excerpt.
What to watch for:
– How well Bernardino can set the tone as the opener and how Fitts handles the bulk innings after him.
– Rafaela’s impact in center after returning to the lineup, and Yoshida’s continued production at the plate.
– Sugano’s command and ability to navigate Boston’s lineup after a solid performance against them recently.
Potential angles for deeper coverage:
– The strategic use of openers and how Boston’s bullpen plans could influence the series.
– The ongoing contributions from late-season contributors as the Red Sox push to maintain or improve their position.
– A quick scouting note on Sugano’s recent groove and how the Sox might adjust their approach in the later innings.
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