The Boston Red Sox adjusted their lineup ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Chicago White Sox, dropping left fielder Jarren Duran one spot to seventh in the batting order. The change came after first baseman Willson Contreras was scratched because of illness, prompting manager Chad Tracy to reshuffle the lineup.
Boston announced the updated lineup on its official X account before first pitch. The move follows the Red Sox's 4-0 victory on Wednesday, which extended their winning streak to seven games.
The Red Sox entered Thursday with a 62-51 record, sitting third in the American League East while remaining firmly in the American League Wild Card race. The White Sox, meanwhile, entered the day atop the American League Central at 59-54 despite dropping the first two games of the series.
Duran enters Thursday batting .206 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 106 games. Despite his overall numbers, the 29-year-old has shown signs of breaking out of his slump, collecting eight hits while batting .444 over his last five games.
The lineup adjustment also moved Andruw Monasterio into the sixth spot after he delivered a sacrifice fly in Wednesday's win. Caleb Durbin shifted into the cleanup role with Contreras unavailable because of illness, while Ranger Suárez drew the start for Boston.
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Duran recently acknowledged to the Boston Globe that he believed there was a chance he could be moved before the trade deadline after enduring a difficult season at the plate. Instead, the Red Sox kept him, and Thursday's lineup adjustment appears designed to ease some pressure as he looks to build on his recent offensive surge.
With top outfield prospect Roman Anthony still on the injured list, Duran continues to play an important everyday role as Boston attempts to keep its momentum going and strengthen its postseason position.
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