Ortiz making rare start at 1st base in Sunday's series finale

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell is going with a rare lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.

David Ortiz, who has served as the club's designated hitter for 70 of his 73 games this season, will start at first base against an American League team for the first time in nine years. Hanley Ramirez will handle DH duties and Alejandro de Aza will get the start in left field.

The last time Ortiz started a game at first base in an AL ballpark was August 5, 2006.

Ortiz's unlikely start comes on the heels of an 0-for-9 series for Mike Napoli, whose season-long slump has become an increasing concern. Boston's regular first baseman is batting .192/.294/.358 with 10 homers in 76 games.

Napoli's struggles have been especially worrisome against same-sided pitching, managing a meager .319 slugging and .600 OPS versus right-handers this season. The Astros will send hard-throwing righty Lance McCullers to the mound Sunday.