Boston Red Sox lineup: Kyle Schwarber sitting, Alex Verdugo in LF, Bobby Dalbec at 1B vs. Orioles on Friday

BOSTON — Kyle Schwarber will not start for the Boston Red Sox on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles here at Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m.

Alex Verdugo is in left field against left-handed starter Keegan Akin (2-9, 6.83 ERA). Bobby Dalbec will play first base.

Dalbec is slashing .280/.325/.522/.848 with eight homers, eight doubles and three triples in 169 plate appearances vs. lefties.

Verdugo has struggled vs. lefties this season with a .210/.255/.267/.522 line in 188 plate appearances.

Chris Sale will start for Boston. The Red Sox activated their ace from the COVID-related IL before the game. Boston also activated reliever Matt Barnes.

Boston Red Sox lineup:

1. Kiké Hernández CF

2. Hunter Renfroe RF

3. Xander Bogaerts SS

4. Rafael Devers 3B

5. J.D. Martinez DH

6. Bobby Dalbec 1B

7. Christian Vázquez C

8. Alex Verdugo LF

9. José Iglesias 2B

Pitching matchup: LHP Keegan Akin (2-9, 6.83 ERA) vs. LHP Chris Sale (3-0, 2.52 ERA)

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