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Slumping Salty gets nod over Ross in Game 3

ST. LOUIS -- The decision of which catcher to play continues to be one that manager John Farrell puts a lot of thought into on a daily basis.

Though Jarrod Saltalamacchia is in a funk at the plate, he got the nod for the second straight game on Saturday night. David Ross started Boston's Game 1 win.

In 29 at-bats in the postseason, Saltalamacchia has 17 strikeouts. Since the start of the American League Championship Series, Saltalamacchia has three hits in his last 19 at-bats.

"Yes, that's been thought of," said Farrell. "Yet, out of consistency with what we've done with Salty, I outlined some things before each of the last two series, this one included, we're trying to stay consistent with that. But we also know we've got five games remaining in this year, and if there needs to be a change or if there's a view that a change should be made, you know what? All things will be considered."

Saltalamacchia's power from the left side can be a big factor, although it hasn't been of late. Since his double in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, Saltalamacchia hasn't produced an extra-base hit.

"We need to get Salty going," Farrell said. "David Ross has been swinging the bat pretty darn good. But yeah, like I said, we need to get a couple guys going on our offense."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, David Ross