J.D. Martinez is expected to join the New York Mets on Friday for their first game of a seven-game homestand. Martinez has been recovering from an injury that delayed his debut. He is expected to bat fifth in the lineup and provide power in the absence of injured catcher Francisco Alvarez. The 13-year veteran is also known for his knowledge and influence on other hitters in the clubhouse.
Rafael Devers has returned to the Red Sox lineup after missing nine of the team’s last 12 games due to nagging shoulder and knee issues. Devers will bat second as the designated hitter in Wednesday’s game against the Guardians, while Masataka Yoshida sits out for the third consecutive day. The Red Sox, who have lost four of five games to the Guardians this season, will also see Tyler O’Neill back in left field and Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu starting in the outfield. Righty Cooper Criswell will take the mound for Boston against veteran righty Carlos Carrasco of Cleveland.
