PT TOMORROW: AL East — Deep sixed? What lineup spot means for BOS’ Story

Boston Red Sox

Aside from a couple of occasions on which he pinch hit for pitchers in the 9-hole, Trevor Story (2B, BOS) never hit below fourth for the Rockies in 2021 and batted third in more than half of his games played.

Yet manager Alex Cora recently announced that Story will hit sixth for the Red Sox to open the season.

Presumably, part of the rationale is to keep Boston’s lineup from featuring three straight right-handed batters in any one stretch, which means that whenever an opponent brings a right-handed reliever into a game, that pitcher will have to face at least one left-handed batter to meet his three-batter minimum, unless the end of the inning comes first.

So, Boston’s go-to lineup against righties will feature Rafael...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we take a close look at Kyle Karros's impressive June, check in on a catching prospect in San Fran, and welcome back a few old friends.
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
Josh Lowe has returned from AAA and appears to be ready to take over the CF job in Anaheim.
Jul 1 2026 3:07am
Trent Grisham's looming return could remove either Spencer Jones or Jasson Domínguez from the Yankees' outfield. Plus, a new look infield in BOS, Dean Kremer nearing a return for BAL, and more.
Jun 30 2026 3:05am
This week, we discuss the return of Heliot Ramos to a crowded lineup situation in San Francisco, and the playing time outlook for prospects throughout the NL West.
Jun 27 2026 3:06am

Tools