Red Sox at D-backs: Lineups Revealed, Preview & Must-Know Notes (8/17)
Red Sox Look to Snap Losing Streak Against Diamondbacks at Fenway Park
The Big Picture
The Boston Red Sox are having a rough time lately. After losing three series in a row, they’re coming home to Fenway Park hoping to turn things around. Here’s what you need to know before Monday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Important Callout
The Red Sox have lost 7 of their last 9 games and 5 of 7 on their recent road trip. They’re desperate for a win at home.
Who’s Missing From the Lineup?
The Red Sox will be without two key players who were placed on the Injured List (IL) on Sunday:
| Player | Position | Injury | 2024 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masataka Yoshida | Outfielder / Designated Hitter | Left hamstring strain | .274 batting average, 5 HR, 28 RBI |
| Justin Slaten | Right-handed reliever | Elbow inflammation | 2-4 record, 4.60 ERA, 36 relief appearances |
What this means: Yoshida is a solid hitter in the middle of the lineup, and Slaten is a reliable arm out of the bullpen. Losing both hurts.
Diamondbacks Injury Watch
Arizona might be without their star third baseman Nolan Arenado:
- The 35-year-old hit 2 home runs in a win Saturday
- But he left Sunday’s game with left trunk discomfort (baseball talk for side/rib area soreness)
- His status for Monday is uncertain
Meet the Starting Pitchers
Arizona Diamondbacks (66-59)
- Starter: LHP Mitch Bratt (1-1, 3.74 ERA)
- Fun fact: Bratt has never faced any Red Sox batters before
Boston Red Sox (66-58)
- Starter: LHP Alec Gamboa (0-0, 1.59 ERA)
- Plan: Gamboa starts, then Brayan Bello is expected to pitch multiple innings after him
- Fun fact: Gamboa has never faced any Diamondbacks batters either
Pitcher Spotlight: Brayan Bello
- As a starter this year: 10.35 ERA (that’s high — means he’s struggled)
- As a bulk reliever (coming in later): 0.75 ERA (that’s elite!)
- The Red Sox are trying a new strategy: use Gamboa for a few innings, then let Bello go long
Red Sox Lineup (Projected)
- Sogard — 2B
- Rafaela — CF
- Abreu — RF
- Contreras — 1B
- Rutschman — C
- Durbin — 3B
- Monasterio — SS
- Gasper — DH
- White — LF
Why This Lineup Is Scary Good
Despite the injuries, the Red Sox have the AL’s best quartet of power hitters. Four players have at least 15 home runs AND 60 RBI:
- Wilyer Abreu
- Willson Contreras
- Jarren Duran
- Ceddanne Rafaela
That’s a lot of firepower in one lineup!
Mitch Bratt’s Turnaround
Bratt had a rough outing on July 25 vs. Washington (5 runs in 5 innings, ERA jumped to 6.32). But since then? Dominant:
- 18 innings pitched
- Only 3 earned runs allowed
- ERA has dropped from 6.32 → 3.74
He’s trending the right way at the perfect time.
Game Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| First Pitch | 7:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Channel 38, NESN |
| Radio | WEEI-FM 93.7 |
| Location | Fenway Park, Boston |
| Red Sox vs. NL This Year | 18-18 (exactly .500) |
3 Keys to a Red Sox Win
- Jump on Bratt early — He’s been good lately, but the Sox haven’t seen him before. First at-bats matter.
- Get length from Gamboa + Bello — If Gamboa gives 3-4 solid innings and Bello gives 4-5 dominant ones, the bullpen stays fresh.
- Keep the line moving — With Yoshida out, others (Duran, Rafaela, Abreu) need to drive in runs.
Summary
- Red Sox (66-58) host Diamondbacks (66-59) Monday at 7:10 p.m. at Fenway
- Boston has lost 3 straight series, 7 of 9 overall — badly needs a win
- Yoshida (hamstring) and Slaten (elbow) land on IL
- Arenado (trunk discomfort) questionable for Arizona
- Pitching matchup: Two lefties making first career starts vs. these opponents — Gamboa (1.59 ERA) vs. Bratt (3.74 ERA)
- X-factor: Brayan Bello as "bulk reliever" behind Gamboa — he’s been lights-out in that role (0.75 ERA)
- Red Sox have 4 players with 15+ HR / 60+ RBI — most in the AL
FAQ
1. What does "placed on the Injured List" mean?
It means the player is officially sidelined and can’t play for at least a few days (usually 10+ for position players, 15+ for pitchers). The team can replace them on the active roster.
2. What’s a "bulk reliever"?
A pitcher who comes in after the starter and throws multiple innings (usually 3-5), bridging the gap to the late-inning relievers. It’s like a "second starter."
3. Why does it matter that neither pitcher has faced the other team?
Hitters have no prior data (video, at-bats, scouting reports) on these specific pitchers. It’s a "blind date" — advantage usually goes to the pitcher early in the game.
4. What’s "left trunk discomfort"?
Baseball speak for soreness in the rib cage / oblique / side abdominal area. It can affect swinging, throwing, and breathing. Often day-to-day.
5. How can I watch the game?
- TV: Channel 38 or NESN (New England Sports Network)
- Radio: WEEI-FM 93.7
- Streaming: Check NESN 360 or MLB.tv (blackout restrictions may apply)
Follow the action and hope for a Red Sox bounce-back win at Fenway!