Farrell gives hot-hitting Holt nod in leadoff spot

BOSTON -- Brock Holt, who has swung a hot bat since his recall from Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday, was inserted into the leadoff spot for Monday's finale against the Orioles.

This, even though the left-handed-hitting Holt was facing a lefty starter in Wei-Yin Chen.

Grady Sizemore had the day off with the quick turnaround, so manager John Farrell made Holt the fifth leadoff hitter he's used in 20 games this season.

"He's had very good at-bats against both lefties and righties," said Farrell. "We've had a number of different guys in that leadoff spot, I recognize that. I think the priority becomes keeping some continuity [in spots] two through six, which we've been able to do with this alignment. That's where we are today."

In Holt's first three games, he went 4-for-10 with a triple and two RBIs.

"Throughout his Minor League career, he's been a top-of-the-order type of hitter," said Farrell. "There's no hesitancy in putting him in that spot, and in the short time he's been here, he's seeing some pitches, he's put up some long at-bats. He's done a very good job. While we're still searching for that one true guy in that spot, this is the next candidate."