PT TOMORROW: AL East — Deep sixed? What lineup spot means for BOS’ Story

Boston Red Sox

Aside from a couple of occasions on which he pinch hit for pitchers in the 9-hole, Trevor Story (2B, BOS) never hit below fourth for the Rockies in 2021 and batted third in more than half of his games played.

Yet manager Alex Cora recently announced that Story will hit sixth for the Red Sox to open the season.

Presumably, part of the rationale is to keep Boston’s lineup from featuring three straight right-handed batters in any one stretch, which means that whenever an opponent brings a right-handed reliever into a game, that pitcher will have to face at least one left-handed batter to meet his three-batter minimum, unless the end of the inning comes first.

So, Boston’s go-to lineup against righties will feature Rafael...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Robert Garcia has been struggling of late. Is it time for a new closer in Texas?
FREE
Jul 8 2025 3:05am
Luis Robert Jr. should be back soon, DeLauter raking at Triple-A, and more from around the division.
Jul 4 2025 3:05am
With Jeremy Peña going down with an injury, the Astros will need to shake things up in the middle infield.
Jul 3 2025 3:07am
McCarthy getting an opportunity in ARI; Tovar moving closer to returning in COL; limited opportunities for Rushing and Kim in LA; potential Suarez replacements in SD; 2B options for SFG
Jul 3 2025 3:05am
After making his debut for AAA-Worcester, where does Kyle Harrison stand in Boston's rotation depth picture?
Jul 2 2025 3:10am

Tools