Marcelo Mayer Joins Red Sox Lineup as Carlos Narváez Steps Up in Seattle

In a last-minute change to their lineup, the Boston Red Sox have announced that Marcelo Mayer will start at shortstop for Friday's game against the Seattle Mariners, replacing Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The announcement came approximately 35 minutes before the first pitch, with Mayer batting seventh in the order after arriving in Seattle Friday morning.

Mayer’s inclusion follows a spell of illness that kept him out of the lineup for two consecutive games. Kiner-Falefa, who had been a mainstay in the Red Sox lineup with 19 consecutive starts in various positions, was sidelined due to inflammation in his left forearm. He notably hit a crucial home run in the eighth inning of Thursday’s loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The updated lineup features Mickey Gasper as the designated hitter, with Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu in the outfield. Willson Contreras will play first base, while Jarren Duran takes the left field position. Caleb Durbin will handle third base duties, and Carlos Narváez is set to catch. Andruw Monasterio rounds out the batting order at second base.

Taking the mound for the Red Sox is left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez, who has demonstrated strong performance with a 2.48 ERA and 65 strikeouts over his last 11 outings. This game marks the beginning of a six-game road trip for the Red Sox, who are looking to break a four-game losing streak after being swept by Toronto.

First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Park, with the game broadcast on NESN. The Red Sox (29-43) will face the Mariners (39-37) as they embark on an important stretch of games in the Pacific Time Zone.