Red Sox will play Rafael Devers at DH in Game 1 vs. Cubs

The Boston Red Sox, after losing two out of three to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field have returned to Fenway Park to host the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting on Friday.

For the opener, Boston will send Kutter Crawford to the mound while Rafael Devers will be the team’s designated hitter for the third straight game.

Here’s a look at the Red Sox full lineup for Game 1:

Jarren Duran CFTyler O’Neill RFRob Refsnyder LFRafael Devers DHConnor Wong CPablo Reyes 3BBobby Dalbec 1BEnmanuel Valdez 2BCeddanne Rafaela SSCrawford has been remarkable through five starts this season, allowing just two earned runs in 27 1/3 innings of work. He’s also struck out 30 batters. The only Cub that’s ever recorded a hit off of him is Mike Tauchman (1-for-1 with two walks).

Chicago will have Shota Imanaga on the bump on Friday. In four starts since coming over from Japan this offseason, he’s allowed just two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings while striking out 21. He’s yet to face any Red Sox in his MLB career.

Boston could use some wins at home in this series, as they’ve started the year 3-7 in their first 10 games at Fenway.

Author(s)

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY’s Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala