Alex Cora had to wait a while before getting the go-ahead from J.D. Martinez well into Friday afternoon. But, finally, the Red Sox' manager was able to put his designated hitter in the lineup for the first time since Sunday.
Going up against Tampa Bay rookie starter Shane Baz, Martinez makes his return, hitting sixth while serving as the designated hitter in Game 2 of the American League Division Series Friday night.
Martinez had missed both the American League Wild Card win over the Yankees Tuesday, and Thursday night's Game 1 loss to the Rays due to a sprained ankle suffered while stepping on a base Sunday in Washington.
With Martinez in, that moves Kyle Schwarber over to first base, putting Bobby Dalbec on the bench to start the game.
Here is the Red Sox' lineup with Chris Sale on the mound for the visitors:
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