The battle for a spot in the Red Sox starting rotation officially begins today, and Garrett Whitlock will get the first opportunity to make his case.
Whitlock is scheduled to start Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against Baltimore, and he’ll face off against new Orioles ace Corbin Burnes in the former Cy Young winner’s debut.
Though most of the Red Sox projected starters did not make the trip to Sarasota, rookie Wilyer Abreu will play right field and bat second, and top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela will lead off and play center field. Bobby Dalbec and Pablo Reyes, who are both battling for spots on the big league bench, are slated to play first and shortstop respectively.
Many of the Orioles starters are expected to play in the Grapefruit League opener, including center fielder Cedric Mullins, catcher Adley Rutschman and designated hitter Anthony Santander. Jackson Holliday, baseball’s No. 1 overall prospect, is also in the starting lineup and will play second base.
Red Sox lineup
- Ceddanne Rafaela CF
- Wilyer Abreu RF
- Bobby Dalbec 1B
- Pablo Reyes SS
- Tyler Heineman C
- Romy Gonzalez 2B
- Jamie Westbrook 3B
- Mark Contreras LF
- Nathan Hickey DH
- Garrett Whitlock P
How to watch
When: 1:05 p.m.
Where: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota
Broadcast info: NESN, WEEI 93.7 FM