FORT MYERS, Fla. — When Jake Bennett takes the mound on Tuesday night, he’ll be treated to a much more lively atmosphere than you’ll typically see during spring training.
The 25-year-old left-hander, acquired from the Washington Nationals in a prospect-for-prospect trade, will get the start for the Red Sox in Tuesday’s exhibition against Team Puerto Rico. The game will serve as a tune-up for Puerto Rico ahead of the World Baseball Classic, which begins this weekend.
The Red Sox and Puerto Rico also played an exhibition prior to the 2023 tournament, and that game featured a notably energetic crowd.
“It’s an awesome opportunity and I’m super honored for it,” Bennett said on Monday. “A couple of teammates have said it’s definitely quite the atmosphere.”
Tuesday night’s lineup will also feature most of the big leaguers who remain in camp. Trevor Story will start at shortstop, Marcelo Mayer will get the nod at second and Caleb Durbin at third, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start at first as the Red Sox continue to explore their options for the backup first base job while Romy Gonzalez and Triston Casas remain sidelined.
Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong will both play as well, and the outfield will consist of Allan Castro, Kristian Campbell and Braiden Ward.
Zack Kelly, Tyler Uberstine, Tyler Samaniego and Vinny Nittoli are scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox as well.
Red Sox lineup
Kristian Campbell CF
Trevor Story SS
Marcelo Mayer 2B
Caleb Durbin 3B
Isiah Kiner-Falefa 1B
Carlos Narvaez DH
Connor Wong C
Braiden Ward RF
Allan Castro LF
Jake Bennett P
How to watch
When: 6:05 p.m.
Where: JetBlue Park, Fort Myers, Fla.
Broadcast info: NESN+, NESN 360, WEEI 93.7 FM