Are you prepared for one of the underwhelming postseason lineups you’ve ever seen in your life? Nicely, right here’s what the Sox are going with tonight:
In fact, the rationale a lot of the lineup appears like it’s because they’re going all in on their platoons. By loading up their lineup with guys who can hit from the precise facet, they’re hoping they’ll neutralize Max Fried on the mound. For extra particulars, right here’s how the splits search for the lineup tonight by OPS, and the distinction in participant manufacturing from all sides of the plate:
The 2 greatest bats the Sox have used all 12 months on this technique all 12 months are Rob Refsynder and Romy Gonzalez, and that’s why their up in the direction of the highest of it. Additionally of be aware, Jarren Duran is the one lefty within the lineup, and his stats are considerably worse towards lefties, which can also be the principle cause he’s hitting to date down within the order.
In fact, a part of the rationale a few of these guys have such nice numbers towards lefties is as a result of they’ve confronted dangerous arms. Sadly, Max Fried is just not a type of. In his profession, he has a comparatively even splits in holding proper handed batters to a .629 OPS towards, and left handed batters to a .683 OPS towards. Solely time will inform of these traits proceed tonight.
Lastly, this kind of beginning lineup will depart a bunch of lefties on the bench, which can enable Alex Cora to get the platoon benefit once more late in excessive leverage at bats. Let the chess match start!
