Boston Red Sox Announce Jarren Duran Move Before Rays Series

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 01: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox are set to begin a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field at 7:10 p.m. EDT on Friday.

Before Friday’s game, the Red Sox announced a notable lineup decision involving outfielder Jarren Duran.

Boston Red Sox Announce Jarren Duran Decision Before Rays Series

Boston Red Sox v Miami Marlins — GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 24: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox singles during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 24, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Duran is out of the Red Sox’s lineup for Friday’s game. He started in center field in Thursday’s 5-4 win over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

The Rays are starting left-hander Ian Seymour on the mound, which is likely why manager Chad Tracy elected to sit Duran, a left-handed hitter.

San Francisco Giants v Boston Red Sox — GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 21: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base during the second inning at Fenway Park on August 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Here is the Red Sox’s full lineup for Friday:

Starting Pitcher: LHP Ranger Suarez (7-4, 3.33 ERA, 130 K)

Here is the Rays’ lineup:

Starting Pitcher: LHP Ian Seymour (9-6, 4.27 ERA, 150 K)

Looking at Jarren Duran

Boston Red Sox v Baltimore Orioles — GettyBALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 05: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox scores a run against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Duran has had a rough season, posting just 0.2 bWAR and a .203/.259/.359 slash line with 20 home runs and 69 RBI over 143 games.

Just two seasons ago, Duran posted 9.0 bWAR and an .834 OPS with 21 home runs and 75 RBI. He had a solid 2025 season as well, posting 4.9 bWAR and a 114 OPS+.

Duran has especially struggled this month, hitting just .159/.213/.250 in 44 at-bats.

On the bright side, Duran has been a spectacular defender for Boston this year, posting +5 Outs Above Average.

Boston Red Sox Right Now

Boston Red Sox v Texas Rangers — GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his two-run home run with Caleb Durbin #5 in the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 15, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Before beating the Rangers on Thursday, the Red Sox lost the first two games of the series against Texas. Boston is 5-5 in its last 10 games.

At this point in the season, Boston seems locked in to the second AL Wild Card spot unless something crazy happens. If the standings hold up, the Red Sox will play the New York Yankees in the Wild Card round at Yankee Stadium.