With power numbers sagging, Napoli out of lineup

BOSTON -- As the Red Sox opened a four-game series against the Blue Jays Thursday, Mike Napoli was given a day off in favor of Mike Carp at first base.

Manager John Farrell said the move was just due to matchups, but there's no denying Napoli has seen a steep drop in his power numbers in June.

It's been 26 days and 64 at-bats since Napoli has hit a home run. Of his 31 extra-base hits this season, only two have come this month. Since June 1, Napoli has actually raised his average to .264 from .252, but Farrell said he has noticed a slight change in the first baseman's swing.

"I think at times you know the swing will get a little bit long at times, but that's no different than anybody else that's playing every single day," Farrell said. "If we can balance a day of rest in between to keep him fresh, that's in addition to a matchup that's kind of what we're looking to do."

Overall, Napoli is batting .264 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.