Schafer aims to make the most of starts

BOSTON -- The Brewers' Logan Schafer didn't expect to start the Red Sox's home opener in right field, but he can expect to see a lot more turf time if Ryan Braun continues having trouble with his meddlesome right thumb.

"I don't really need to be told where I'm playing," Schafer said. "As long as I'm playing, I'm happy."

Braun was limited to designated-hitter duties because of his nagging thumb injury, so it was Schafer who roamed Fenway Park's spacious right field on Friday. It was Schafer's second straight start after manning left field at Miller Park against the Braves on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old former third-round Draft pick is only backup outfielder on the 25-man roster. His spot was assured in Spring Training, but Schafer sealed it by batting .379 with a .471 on-base percentage in 71 Cactus League plate appearances.

In 371 Major League plate appearances over the past four seasons, Schafer is a .220 hitter.

He was excited about the opportunity to play his first game at Fenway Park.

"I haven't been here, but if you're a baseball fan, you kind of know the dimensions of Fenway," Schafer said. "It will be really cool. It will be fun, them getting their rings and everything, and then hopefully letting them know with a 'W' today that that was last year."