After 34 straight starts, Iglesias gets breather

BOSTON -- For the first time since June 18, the Red Sox had a starting lineup that did not include Jose Iglesias.

The infielder had started 34 straight games. However, Iglesias has been slumping of late. He has just five hits in his last 44 at-bats.

Brandon Snyder got the start at third base Monday against Rays lefty David Price, while Stephen Drew started at short.

"Day off [for Iglesias]," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "Chance to get Snyder in against a left-hander. Stephen's been swinging the bat better of late and we're looking to get a little more production out of the bottom third of the order."

What has stood out during the slump Iglesias is in?

"He's been attacked early and often in the strike zone," said Farrell. "Whether he's fallen behind in the count or expanded the zone on occasion, I can't say that he's chased wildly by any means, some of the balls that he had the benefit of falling in before haven't been of late. I don't think he's striking out at an abnormal rate. He's putting the ball in play and some of those aren't finding holes."