Sore knee keeps Sandoval out of lineup
Red Sox third baseman was hit by a pitch earlier in the week
BOSTON -- The original plan was for Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval to be back in the lineup on Friday night, three days after he got hit on the left knee by a pitch. However, Sandoval was too sore and remained out of action for the opener of a three-game series against the Angels.
"Well, it doesn't feel like he's ready to go," said manager John Farrell. "There's limitations to the range; there's limitations to him being able to plant that left leg to execute a strong throw. Baserunning was going to be limited. All that adds up to him needing more time."
Sandoval did serve as a pinch-hitter on Thursday night, and he took ground balls before Friday's game.
Brock Holt continues to get the starts at third in Sandoval's absence.
With the Red Sox facing lefties in the final two games of the series, there might be less of a rush to get Sandoval back in the starting lineup. The veteran has struggled mightily against southpaws this season, going 2-for-41.