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

In addition to taking a look at young catchers heating up and a surprising PT trend, we suggest Landen Roupp might be a must roster.
Apr 18 2026 3:07am
Christian Yelich joins Jackson Chourio on the injured list as Luis Lara is raking in Nashville, could the Brewers call up one of their top prospects?
Apr 17 2026 3:05am
The White Sox's early usage of Grant Taylor has gone in a different direction than expected. Plus, looks at CLE's lefty batters, Jac Caglianone's struggles in KC, and the DET and MIN bullpens.
Apr 16 2026 3:05am
Colt Emerson is ready to join the Mariners and they'll need to shake things up to make that happen.
Apr 15 2026 3:05am
Davis Schneider continues to hit and could be breaking past his weak-side platoon role as Toronto deals with injuries and ineffectiveness in its lineup. Plus, more from around the AL East.
Apr 14 2026 3:05am

Tools