Red Sox Shift Jarren Duran to DH for Mets Series

Duran Moves to Designated Hitter

Interim manager Chad Tracy is moving Jarren Duran from the outfield to a designated hitter role for Sunday’s game against the Mets. The move leaves Duran in the lineup while Nate Eaton takes over left field duties. It will be Duran’s seventh DH appearance of the season, a spot where he has been better than in the outfield.

Duran’s numbers so far this year underline the reasoning behind the change. He is hitting .217 with a .606 OPS against left‑handed pitchers, a modest improvement over his .186 average versus right‑handers. In July, his average has slipped to .167, with just a double and a home run in eight games.

Tracy opted for Duran over Masataka Yoshida, who hit a home run in Saturday’s 4‑0 victory. The manager’s decision reflects a blend of Duran’s platoon splits and the Red Sox’s need to keep the lineup intact while giving them a fresh defensive option.

Pitching Plans and Bullpen Flexibility

Left‑hander Payton Tolle will make his 15th start of the season, but the Red Sox expect to limit his outing length as the All‑Star break nears. Right‑hander Brayan Bello was recalled earlier in the day and is on standby to serve as a piggyback reliever if needed. The strategy hints at a cautious approach to keep Tolle fresh for the stretch run.

Opposite the Red Sox, the Mets will start Zach Thornton, who carries a 0‑1 record and a 4.35 ERA. Both starting pitchers are southpaws, setting up a matchup of left‑handed arms at Citi Field. The game tips off at 1:40 p.m. ET on NESN, with radio coverage on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Red Sox Momentum and Playoff Picture

Boston has built a season‑high eight‑game winning streak, capping a nine‑game road trip that ends on Sunday. The surge puts the Red Sox 16‑for‑21 in recent games, keeping them just a half‑game shy of a wild‑card spot in the American League. The timing of the streak is crucial as the club approaches a four‑day break after the Mets series.

Following the matinee, the team will enjoy a brief pause before returning for a doubleheader against the Rays at Fenway on Friday. The upcoming break should give the Red Sox a chance to evaluate their rotation and bullpen as they chase postseason positioning.

The Red Sox aim to keep the winning momentum rolling as they prepare for the second half of the campaign, with strategic roster moves and a refreshed bullpen shaping their approach. Sunday’s contest will serve as both a test of depth and a preview of how the league’s playoff race will unfold later this summer.