The Red Sox will open a four-game series Thursday in the Bronx against the rival Yankees without first baseman and home run leader Mitch Moreland, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a lower-back strain.
Prior to tonight’s game, the #RedSox made the following roster moves:
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) May 29, 2019
1B Mitch Moreland was placed on the 10-day IL with a low back strain, retroactive to May 26.
RHP Travis Lakins was optioned to AAA Pawtucket following last night’s game.
The move was retroactive to May 26.
The important AL East series — important for late May/early June, at least — pits two of the AL East's top teams: the first-place Yankees (35-19) and the defending world champion Red Sox, who at 29-26 find themselves 6 1/2 games back of New York and trail the surprising second-place Rays by 5 1/2.
Though hitting only .223, Moreland, 33, leads the Red Sox with 13 home runs. He also has 34 RBIs. His absence comes as the Red Sox struggle to score runs. Boston, typically an offensive juggernaut with the likes of J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts, is tied for 26th in the majors in runs despite being 12th in home runs.
Both teams have battled injuries early this season.
Ace Chris Sale will start Thursday's opener. The last time the Yankees faced Sale, on April 16, they scored four runs on seven hits over five innings in an 8-0 victory.
The Yankees are expected to get back left-hander CC Sabathia for Sunday's series finale, NJ.com reported Wednesday. He landed on the injured list May 23 with inflammation in his chronically troublesome right knee one day after he gutted out five innings in a 7-5 Yankees road victory over the Orioles.
