Red Sox Make Notable Ceddanne Rafaela Decision For Pirates Opener originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox will open their weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates without one of their most productive players in the starting lineup.
Ceddanne Rafaela was not included in Boston’s lineup for Friday night’s game at PNC Park. Manager Chad Tracy instead placed Eli White in center field and the No. 9 spot against Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler.
Rafaela’s absence is the most striking part of a heavily revised batting order. Nick Sogard will lead off and play second base, while newly acquired catcher Adley Rutschman has been elevated to the No. 3 spot.
Boston enters the game looking to build on Thursday’s 7-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, which snapped a five-game losing streak.
Ceddanne Rafaela Gets A Break In Pittsburgh
Rafaela has been one of Boston’s most valuable all-around players this season. The 25-year-old earned his first All-Star selection while emerging as an American League MVP candidate. His combination of power, speed and elite defense has made him a fixture near the top of Tracy’s lineup.
Rafaela entered the Pittsburgh series batting .288 with 16 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He also had produced 16 defensive runs saved and 14 outs above average in center field.
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Considering his importance, removing Rafaela from the lineup is never an insignificant decision. The Red Sox are beginning a stretch of six games in six days, however, with a three-game home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks beginning Monday.
Giving Rafaela a night away from the starting lineup allows Boston to manage his workload before another important stretch.
White will handle center field in his place. Although the move represents an offensive downgrade, White gives the Red Sox a capable defender at one of the most demanding positions inside spacious PNC Park.
Rafaela also remains available off the bench if Boston needs a late defensive replacement, pinch-runner or right-handed bat.
Adley Rutschman Moves Into A Premium Lineup Spot
Rutschman batting third is another significant development.
The former Baltimore Orioles star made his Red Sox debut earlier in the week following Boston’s blockbuster move to acquire him. Tracy initially had to determine how quickly to feature Rutschman in a lineup already built around Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu and Rafaela.
Friday’s order provides a clear answer.
Rutschman will bat directly behind Sogard and Masataka Yoshida, giving him an opportunity to hit with runners on base. Contreras follows in the cleanup spot, while Abreu bats fifth.
That alignment places three of Boston’s most dangerous hitters together in the middle of the order. It also creates a left-right balance designed to complicate Pittsburgh’s bullpen decisions later in the game.
Rutschman’s placement could become more than a one-night experiment. The switch-hitting catcher gives Tracy flexibility near the top of the order, particularly while Boston continues operating without injured outfielder Roman Anthony.
The Red Sox did not acquire Rutschman to hide him near the bottom of the lineup. His move into the No. 3 spot suggests the club wants him involved in its biggest offensive situations immediately.
Nick Sogard Receives Another Leadoff Opportunity
Sogard will be responsible for setting the table.
The 28-year-old started at second base and led off during Thursday’s win over Toronto. He went hitless in four at-bats but scored a run after drawing a walk.
Tracy will keep him in that role for at least one more game.
Sogard does not provide the same power threat as Rafaela, but his versatility and willingness to work counts make him a reasonable option against Chandler. Boston’s primary goal should be forcing the talented Pittsburgh starter to throw as many pitches as possible.
Chandler threw six scoreless innings in his previous appearance, allowing only three hits in a 9-0 win over the New York Mets. He owns the type of arsenal that can become overwhelming when he establishes command early.
Sogard and Yoshida must make him work before Rutschman and Contreras receive their first opportunities.
MORE: Red Sox Face Three Fascinating Pitching Matchups In Pirates Series
Caleb Durbin Looks To Continue Offensive Surge
Caleb Durbin will bat sixth and play third base one day after producing his best performance since joining the Red Sox. Durbin recorded three hits and five RBIs in Thursday’s victory, including a grand slam in the eighth inning that broke open what had been a close game. It was the second grand slam of his major league career.
Boston desperately needed that production. The Red Sox scored only four combined runs during the first three games of their series in Toronto. Their lineup finally erupted late Thursday, scoring six times over the final two innings.
Durbin’s emergence could lengthen an offense that has been overly dependent on its established hitters. Jarren Duran will follow him in the seventh spot, with Andruw Monasterio and White completing the lineup.
Friday’s complete Red Sox lineup is:
Nick Sogard, 2B
Masataka Yoshida, DH
Adley Rutschman, C
Willson Contreras, 1B
Wilyer Abreu, RF
Caleb Durbin, 3B
Jarren Duran, LF
Andruw Monasterio, SS
Eli White, CF
Jake Bennett will start for Boston opposite Chandler.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. The game will air on NESN, with radio coverage available on WEEI.