Bold headline: A marquee offseason signing arrives, and the Red Sox are ready to show what they’ve built.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — One of Boston’s biggest offseason additions is poised to make his debut this afternoon. Ranger Suarez will take the mound as the Red Sox host the Pittsburgh Pirates at JetBlue Park. The left-hander will be supported by what amounts to a preview of the Opening Day lineup, featuring seven projected starters and two primary reserves who are expected to be in the mix.
Roman Anthony will lead off and patrol left field, with Jarren Duran hitting third while serving as the designated hitter, and Caleb Durbin starting at third base. Marcelo Mayer is not in the lineup today but is nearing a return to game action as he continues his ramp-up following wrist surgery last season.
Connor Wong will catch, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will occupy the second-base position to round out the field. In addition to Suarez, the Red Sox have Ryan Watson, Alec Gamboa, Seth Martinez, Vinny Nittoli, and Jacob Webb scheduled to pitch.
Red Sox lineup
- Roman Anthony, LF
- Trevor Story, SS
- Jarren Duran, DH
- Willson Contreras, 1B
- Wilyer Abreu, RF
- Caleb Durbin, 3B
- Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B
- Connor Wong, C
- Ranger Suarez, P
How to watch
When: 1:05 p.m. local time
Where: JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
Broadcast: NESN, NESN 360, WEEI 850 AM
A few notes for context: This outing serves as a practical glimpse into how Boston plans to align its everyday lineup this season, with several newcomers getting a chance to show their fit alongside established teammates. Suarez’s performance could influence early-season decisions and provide momentum as spring progresses.
What do you think—will this group gel quickly, or will adjustments be needed as the roster settles into its rhythm? Share your thoughts in the comments.
