The Red Sox will open up their series against the Royals Monday night with Adrian Gonzalez in a new, lower position in the order against Jonathan Sanchez. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. EST with broadcasts by NESN and WEEI.
After a terrible 0-for-8 night at the plate Sunday, including a three-pitch strikeout against first baseman Chris Davis, Gonzalez finds himself demoted to the fifth spot in the lineup, with David Ortiz taking over the third spot and Cody Ross batting fourth against the left-handed Sanchez.
While it hasn't been a stellar start to the season for Adrian Gonzalez in any aspect of the game, against lefties he's been particularly moribund, batting .250/.286/.375. Whether this change stays in place against righties and how much it will take from Gonzalez to undo it remains to be seen.
Boston Red Sox (11-16)
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Cody Ross, RF
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Darnell McDonald, LF
- Marlon Byrd, CF
- Kelly Shoppach, C
Kansas City Royals (9-18)
- Jarrod Dyson, CF
- Alex Gordon, LF
- Billy Butler, DH
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Jeff Francouer, RF
- Mike Moustakas, 3B
- Brayan Pena, C
- Chris Getz, 2B
- Alcides Escobar, SS