ST. LOUIS -- Roman Anthony is out of the starting lineup Friday night as the Red Sox open a six-game road trip with a three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
Manager Alex Cora said the decision was part of a routine rotation, not injury-related, as Boston continues to cycle through its outfield and designated hitter options early in the season.
“You’ve got to play everyone, right?” Cora said.
Anthony, who has primarily hit leadoff for the Red Sox to begin the year, is off to a slow start at the plate, hitting .217 with a .308 on-base percentage and a .656 OPS. Still, there’s little concern internally, and Friday marked just his second non-start of the season.
Cora added that Anthony would be available off the bench and could factor in as a pinch-hitting option if the situation calls for it.
With Anthony out, Boston continues to mix and match its lineup -- something Cora has leaned into early as the club looks to find a rhythm offensively.
The Red Sox entered the series looking to carry momentum into their second road trip of the season, which will continue in Minnesota after this weekend.