The Red Sox will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of being swept by the Twins Thursday afternoon. And if they are to do so, the continuation of J.D. Martinez's dominance over Minnesota starter Kyle Gibson would help immensely.
Martinez enters the series finale having gone 9-for-25 (.360) with two homers and a 1.007 OPS against Gibson, with Mookie Betts (4-for-8) also having some success against the righty.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Gibson has been one of the best pitchers in the American League over his last four starts, totaling a 1.69 ERA in 26 2/3 innings.
Here is the lineup Alex Cora will be sending out Thursday, with Rick Porcello on the mound for the visitors:
Mookie Betts RF
Andrew Benintendi LF
J.D. Martinez DH
Mitch Moreland 1B
Xander Bogaerts SS
Rafael Devers 3B
Brock Holt 2B
Sandy León C
Jackie Bradley Jr. CF