More Red Sox lineup changes for Rays series opener

BOSTON --- The Red Sox had dropped their last seven series at Fenway Park prior to the weekend.

Boston’s pair of victories over the Blue Jays snapped a rather embarrassing skid. The last series victory recorded here by the Red Sox came during a sweep of the Orioles from Aug. 16-18 last season.

Walkoff hero Mitch Moreland was out of the Monday lineup against Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. Michael Chavis, who went 3-for-4 against Tampa Bay in a Yarbrough start last [...]

BOSTON --- The Red Sox had dropped their last seven series at Fenway Park prior to the weekend.

Boston’s pair of victories over the Blue Jays snapped a rather embarrassing skid. The last series victory recorded here by the Red Sox came during a sweep of the Orioles from Aug. 16-18 last season.

Walkoff hero Mitch Moreland was out of the Monday lineup against Rays left-hander Ryan Yarbrough. Michael Chavis, who went 3-for-4 against Tampa Bay in a Yarbrough start last week, opened at first base. Kevin Pillar served as the leadoff hitter while Alex Verdugo dropped to second and Andrew Benintendi took a seat.

Kevin Plawecki also earned his first start behind the plate since Aug. 2 against the Yankees. The veteran offseason signing from Cleveland said Christian Vazquez and Jason Varitek have been his best reference points in terms of learning the various Boston pitchers he’s worked with on the mound.

"We’ve had enough time now to spend time with each other," Plawecki said. "Given the circumstances it’s been a lot of fun getting to know them and whoever is on the mound."

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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