J.D. Martinez scratched from Boston Red Sox lineup with back spasms, Christian Arroyo now at DH

BOSTON -- Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez was scratched from Sunday’s lineup due to back spasms, the team announced minutes before first pitch. Martinez was slated to hit third in Boston’s original lineup against the Mariners and right-hander Logan Gilbert.

With Martinez out, Christian Arroyo is the designated hitter against Seattle. He’ll hit sixth. Here’s the updated Red Sox lineup without Martinez or Alex Verdugo, who is out due to illness despite testing negative for COVID-19:

1. CF Kiké Hernández

2. 3B Rafael Devers

3. SS Xander Bogaerts

4. 2B Trevor Story

5. LF Franchy Cordero

6. DH Christian Arroyo

7. RF Jackie Bradley Jr.

8. 1B Bobby Dalbec

9. C Kevin Plawecki

Martinez had started 33 of Boston’s first 40 games and owns a .349 average and .972 OPS on the season. He missed seven of nine games in late April and early May due to adductor muscle tightness but has been in the lineup every day since May 1. In May, Martinez is 30-for-75 (.400) with four homers, 12 RBIs and a 1.078 OPS. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready to return Tuesday when the Red Sox open up a three-game series against the White Sox in Chicago.

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