Can Red Sox's New Leadoff Hitter Spark Skidding Lineup Vs. Yankees?

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Ceddanne Rafaela usually bats at the bottom of the order for the Boston Red Sox. But on Wednesday, he'll hit at the top of it instead.

With Roman Anthony sidelined by back soreness, Rafaela will replace him in the leadoff spot. It's Rafaela's first time batting there this season and only his second time batting higher than sixth.

The 25-year-old outfielder is one of the few Red Sox position players who have avoided a slow start this season, batting .288/.373/.379 with four extra base hits, seven RBI and 10 runs through 22 games.

Rafaela's riding a four-game hitting streak and has shown improved plate discipline this year, flashing a career-best 6.7 percent walk rate.

Alex Cora is hoping Rafaela can stay hot and get Boston's offense going. The Red Sox have been in a major funk lately, scoring two runs or less in four of their last five games.

However, Rafaela has struggled batting leadoff in the past. In 84 career plate appearances there, he's hitting just .231/.274/.385 with two homers, five RBI, four walks and 25 strikeouts.

The Gold Glove winner has a tough assignment tonight against Max Fried, too. He hasn't had much success against lefties, batting .225/.270/.396 lifetime against southpaws.

If those trends continue, Boston may not get the boost from Rafaela that it's looking for.

More MLB: Roman Anthony Surprisingly Scratched From Starting Lineup Vs. Yankees

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