Red Sox remove surging hitter from lineup hours before D-Backs game

The Boston Red Sox have been one of the best teams in baseball since the month of June. Entering Monday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they own a 66-58 record and sole possession of a wild card spot in the American League.

The Red Sox have had many unexpected heroes during their run, and one of those players is designated hitter Jahmai Jones.

Boston acquired Jones in a deal with the Detroit Tigers in mid-July in exchange for a player to be named later, which ended up being minor leaguer Jojo Ingrassia. The deal came after the Tigers designated Jones for assignment.

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Since joining the Red Sox, Jones has not only turned his season around but has been one of the most productive hitters in the lineup in a platoon role. With Detroit he owned a .137 batting average, .219 on-base percentage and .440 OPS.

Since joining Boston he has remarkably nearly doubled each of those figures, posting a .478 batting average, .520 on-base percentage and 1.433 OPS across 14 appearances.

While Jones’ playing time is limited, he remains a genuine weapon and has been one of the best hitters on the team during their stretch run. Unfortunately, Jones was removed from the lineup moments before Monday’s series opener at home against Arizona.

The Red Sox revealed an updated lineup that inserted Mickey Gasper into the designated hitter role. Jones was initially listed as the leadoff hitter, but interim manager Chad Tracy instead decided to move second baseman Nick Sogard up to the top spot.

It is unclear why Jones was removed, but Tracy will likely provide an explanation before first pitch.

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