The original Red Sox lineup Friday had Marcelo Mayer sitting out for the second straight game. About 35 minutes before first pitch, though, interim manager Chad Tracy made a change.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was originally slated to start at shortstop and bat sixth, was scratched due to left forearm inflammation, according to reports. Mayer was inserted as the shortstop and will hit seventh against Seattle and starter Bryce Miller.
Mayer, who didn’t play Thursday against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park, has been dealing with an illness that forced him to stay back (and not take the team charter) when the Red Sox flew west Thursday night. He flew separately of the team Friday morning and arrived in Seattle well in time for first pitch. Mayer is clearly feeling good enough to play in the opening game of a three-game series at T-Mobile Park.
Kiner-Falefa, who hit a clutch homer to help the Red Sox tie Thursday’s game in the eighth inning, has started 19 games in a row at various positions. It’s unclear if his injury is something that might keep him out past Friday.
Elsewhere in Boston’s lineup, Andruw Monasterio is at second base and Carlos Narváez is catching Ranger Suarez. First pitch is at 10:10 p.m. ET.