BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox have finalized their lineup for Friday afternoon’s home opener against the San Diego Padres.
Newcomer Sonny Gray will take the mound for Boston, marking his Fenway Park debut after joining the club from St. Louis in the offseason. The Padres will counter with Michael King.
Boston’s full starting lineup for the 2:10 p.m. game is as follows:
- DH Roman Anthony
- SS Trevor Story
- LF Jarren Duran
- 1B Wilson Contreras
- RF Wilyer Abreau
- 3B Caleb Durbin
- 2B Marcelo Mayer
- C Carlos Narvaez
- CF Cedanne Rafaela
The starting lineup for the Padres features old friend Xander Bogaerts, who won two World Series championships with Boston during his 10-year career with the club.
San Diego’s full starting lineup is as follows:
- RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
- SS Xander Bogaerts
- CF Jackson Merrill
- 3B Manny Machado
- LF Ramón Laureano
- DH Miguel Andujar
- 1B Gavin Sheets
- 2B Jake Cronenworth
- C Luis Campusano
The Red Sox started the 2026 season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros, struggling to a 1-5 record. Boston will look to regain its mojo at Fenway, where the club won 48 games in 2025.
Historically, the Red Sox are 73-52 all-time in their home opener, including 64-50 at Fenway Park. They’re 14-7 in their last 21 home openers, since 2005.
Before the game starts, a ceremony will be held to honor the 40th anniversary of the club’s 1986 American League Championship victory. Nearly 25 players from the legendary team are expected to attend.
Fenway Park has also expanded its concessions menu for the season, adding several new gourmet items alongside its traditional ballpark favorites, including lobster poutine served in a boat and a spicy grilled cheese sandwich.
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