Sizemore in leadoff spot in revamped lineup

BOSTON -- With the Red Sox on a five-game losing streak going into Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, manager John Farrell was looking for something to spark his team's offense.

So, Farrell shook up the lineup.

Center fielder and left-handed hitter Grady Sizemore was back in the leadoff spot against Toronto right-hander Drew Hutchison. Sizemore has been there for 10 games this season, but not since April 23. He entered Wednesday hitting .103, going 4-for-39, with a .146 on-base percentage and .154 slugging percentage at the top of the order. Against right-handed starters, he was batting .212/.284/.313.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who had been batting leadoff, dropped down to the second spot.

"Given our performance against right-handed starters," Farrell said, "we may look to have another left-hander in the top part of the order."

Right fielder Shane Victorino moved from second down to sixth. The former switch-hitter has been hitting strictly from the right side this season.

"Had a chance to talk with Vic yesterday," Farrell said. "Against right-handers, he's, it's not been his strong side when compared to facing left-handed starters. And we talked about moving him down in the order a little bit."

The Sox had five left-handed hitters in the starting lineup against Hutchison.

"Here's the thing: we can't stack the lineup with lefties because Jonny [Gomes, playing left field, batting cleanup] being in the lineup. So, we've gone alternating left-right through out. And that's where we are today."

First baseman Mike Napoli was not in the starting lineup because of flu-like symptoms. Mike Carp played first and batted seventh.