Red Sox outfielder scratched from lineup in opener vs. Diamondbacks

Mike Masala

Red Sox outfielder scratched from lineup in opener vs. Diamondbacks image

The Boston Red Sox were preparing for their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night at Fenway Park when they had to make a late change to their lineup.

Two hours before first pitch, Boston announced that outfielder Tyler O'Neill had been scratched from the lineup due to "fourth finger inflammation, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. Instead, the Red Sox put Rob Refsnyder in left field for the matchup.

Here's the full lineup after the change:

  1. Jarren Duran CF
  2. Wilyer Abreu RF
  3. Triston Casas 1B
  4. Rafael Devers 3B
  5. Rob Refsnyder LF
  6. Masataka Yoshida DH
  7. Danny Jansen C
  8. David Hamilton 2B
  9. Ceddanne Rafaela SS

O'Neill has had some terrible luck in recent years with injuries. In his seven years in the majors, he's appeared in over 100 games just once. This year alone, he's had to get stitches in his head after a collision with Devers. He also missed time with a knee injury and was hospitalized for a leg infection.

In 84 games for the Red Sox, the 29-year-old has hit .262 with an .875 OPS, 22 home runs, 46 RBIs and three stolen bases.

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala