Farrell explains Game 2 lineup adjustments

HOUSTON – After losing Game 1 and a player to injury, John Farrell made some significant changes to the Red Sox’ lineup for Game 2 of the team’s ALDS against the Houston Astros.

Out are Eduardo Nunez (removed from the active roster), Mitch Moreland, Sandy Leon and Rafael Devers. In are Chris Young (replacing Nunez on the roster and as the DH), Hanley Ramirez (shifting from DH to first), Christian Vazquez and Deven Marrero.

Vazquez is a fairly ordinary replacement, since he usually catches Pomeranz. The other changes are Farrell’s decisions, based on matchups.

Asked what went into the decision to go with Marrero over Devers, Farrell said: “(Game 2 starter) Dallas Keuchel.’’

The Astros starter has been extremely tough on lefties this season, limiting them to a .435 OPS. Even though Devers had a 1.074 OPS in limited (50 at-bats) against lefties, Farrell chose Marrero at third.

“Deven’s ability to handle lefthanded pitching as he’s done this year,’’ said Farrell, further explaining the move. “The addition of Drew (Pomeranz) on the mound today, with the potential of more balls hit on the ground to the pull side. I wanted his bat and his glove at the position. (Keuchel) has shut down, pretty much, all lefthanded hitters this year.
“With the option of Deven being available, he’s in the lineup.’’

Marrero posted a .944 OPS against lefties this year and gained belief in himself as the season developed.

“Even in spring training,’’ said Farrell, “(Marrero) has always had this view and confidence to play at this level. As he’s come here, I think he’s been a better player at the big league level than he was at the minor league level. When he started to get some hits, the confidence grew.

“If you go back to the night in Chicago (in late May) when he had a big night against (Jose) Quintana, I think he really fast-forwarded that mindset and he’s continued to hit lefthanders well.’’

Despite Devers’ success against lefties, Farrell said he didn’t consider using him in the DH spot, instead going with Young, who is 7-for-23 (.304) in his career against Keuchel.

“(Young has) comfortability hitting in this ballpark and had (23) at-bats against Keuchel,’’ Farrell said. “The overriding thing is how (Keuchel) has handled lefthanded hitters this season.’’