NEW YORK — Willson Contreras is in Boston’s Game 1 starting lineup at first base and batting third against Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler, according to ESPN’s pregame lineup.
Roman Anthony leads off at designated hitter, with Adley Rutschman catching and batting second. Contreras is followed by Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela. His first-base assignment makes the arrangement more definite than the earlier expectation that he would simply be available.
Contreras returned from a right-hand injury as Boston’s DH in Sunday’s regular-season finale. NESN reported that he went 0-for-2 and that manager Chad Tracy expected him to be ready for the postseason. Tuesday’s lineup now puts him back in the field.
Anthony’s DH assignment leaves Jarren Duran in left field, Rafaela in center and Abreu in right. Nick Sogard starts at second, Trevor Story at shortstop and Caleb Durbin at third.
Being named in the starting lineup confirms Boston’s decision to use Contreras; it does not establish that the hand is entirely pain-free. His ability to contribute over a full game will be tested through his plate appearances and defensive work.
For Boston, the immediate stakes are straightforward. Contreras occupies the third spot in the order, behind Anthony and Rutschman, in an opener against Schlittler. The Red Sox are asking him to perform a regular starting role rather than opening the game with him reserved for a later appearance.
Payton Tolle starts for Boston. The best-of-three series begins at Yankee Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on September 29.
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