The Boston Red Sox have been the hottest team in baseball during July and are looking for another series victory on Thursday night.
Boston is wrapping up a four-game series in Sacramento against the Athletics and secured a 4-2 extra-inning win on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the series finale, the Red Sox announced their starting lineup with some notable changes.
Red Sox Announce Jarren Duran Change
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy kept Jarren Duran out of the starting lineup Wednesday, despite the outfielder entering the game for Jahmai Jones and recording three at-bats.
On Thursday, Duran is right back in the mix, batting seventh and playing left field. Ceddanne Rafaela will remain in center field, while Wilyer Abreu will start in right.
Masataka Yoshida also returns to the lineup as the designated hitter after coming off the bench Wednesday.
Red Sox 7/30
A. Seigler 2B
C. Rafaela CF
W. Abreu RF
W. Contreras 1B
M. Yoshida DH
C. Durbin 3B
J. Duran LF
A. Monasterio SS
C. Wong CS. Gray SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 30, 2026
Duran’s 2026 Stats
Duran has had an underwhelming season so far, especially at the plate, where he’s batting below the Mendoza line with a .197 average, a .340 slugging percentage, and a .595 OPS.
Despite his struggles, Duran has recorded 76 hits, 13 home runs, and 54 RBIs while stealing 15 bases.
He’s also become one of the more frequently mentioned players in trade rumors ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Red Sox Right Now
Boston looked down and out in mid-to-late June, but a 16-game winning streak pushed the team right back into the American League playoff race.
The Red Sox are now 56-51 and sit in third place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.
After Thursday night’s finale, Boston will begin a three-game weekend series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
Boston Red Sox Announce Jarren Duran Change Before Athletics Series Finale