The Red Sox have enjoyed an eventful week so far, clinching a playoff berth and winning their 100th game of the season. And Mookie Betts is getting some extra time to soak it all in.
The star outfielder is out of the lineup for Thursday's finale against the Blue Jays, with Andrew Benitendi leading off in his place. J.D. Martinez will play right field in Betts' absence and Blake Swihart gets the start at DH. Christian Vazquez will be behind the plate.
Since the Red Sox are enjoying a mammoth 10-game lead in the division, the rest of the regular season should be viewed as a playoff tune-up. As a result, expect manager Alex Cora to strategically rest regulars the rest of the way.
It's also worth watching how Cora uses Swihart, who's only caught two games since Aug. 28. He hit the ball well in Vazquez's absence and held his own behind the plate. One of the final playoff roster spots may come down between Swihart and Vazquez.
Eduardo Rodriguez will take the hill for the Red Sox tonight, looking to rebound from his five-run effort last weekend against the Astros. He'll be opposed by Toronto righty Sam Gaviglio.
The complete Red Sox lineup is below:Andrew Benintendi LFIan Kinsler 2BMitch Moreland 1BJ.D. Martinez RFXander Bogaerts SSBlake Swihart DHEduardo Nunez 3BChristian Vazquez CJackie Bradley Jr. CFEduardo Rodriguez P
