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Jarren Duran shifts to center field as Red Sox host Royals

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 6:32 PM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Jarren Duran shifts to center field as Red Sox host Royals

Summary

The Boston Red Sox adjusted their defensive alignment for Friday night's series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. Jarren Duran will move from his primary position in left field to start in center field. This defensive change follows a right quadriceps strain that sidelined Ceddanne Rafaela. Roman Anthony will occupy left field while batting in the leadoff spot. Sonny Gray is slated to start on the mound for Boston, seeking to help the team break a two-game losing streak. The Red Sox currently hold the second American League wild-card position, sitting six games above the playoff cut line and 4.5 games behind the New York Yankees for the top wild-card spot.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Jarren Duran will start in center field for the Red Sox on Friday.
•Ceddanne Rafaela is out of the lineup with a right quadriceps strain.
•Sonny Gray starts for Boston with a 17-4 record and 2.69 ERA.
•The Red Sox enter the series with an 80-67 record.
•Kansas City starter Seth Lugo carries a 6-8 record into the matchup.

Latest Updates

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What they're saying

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Boston Red Sox have made a notable change to their lineup for Saturday’s meeting with the Kansas City Royals, with Jarren Duran moving up the batting order as Boston looks to respond to three consecutive defeats. Duran will remain in centre field for the second straight game, but interim manager Chad Tracy has opted to give the outfielder a different spot in the order for the latest Royals clash at Fenway Park.
— Yahoo Sports

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On Friday, the Boston Red Sox lost their series opener to the Kansas City Royals by a 3-2 final score.With this loss, the American League East team extended its losing streak to three games. Due to this, Boston will be looking to bounce back and get back in the win column against Kansas City on […] The post Boston Red Sox Announce Sudden Caleb Durbin News During Royals Series appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports