‘X’ marks a new spot

Farrell shifts order: Bogaerts bats No. 6

RED SOX NOTEBOOK

It has been two months since Xander Bogaerts was one of the best hitters in baseball, but John Farrell says that had nothing to do with the decision to drop him in the lineup three games before the end of the regular season.

The Red Sox manager said repeatedly yesterday that moving Bogaerts from No. 2 in the lineup all the way down to No. 6 should not be seen as punishment for Bogaerts, who is tied for 144th out of 168 qualified major leaguers with a .227 average since Aug. 1.

“I just feel like, and this isn’t centered around Xander, even though he’s the one moving down a little bit, but this is to try to create a little bit of a spark for us offensively,” Farrell said. “We’ve been grinding a little bit and also to create a little balance up and down the lineup a little bit more. We’re soon to get out of an expanded roster. So maybe to create a little more balance, that’s where today’s lineup is reflective of it.”

Bogaerts was 1-for-4 in his first game hitting out of the No. 6 spot in the Sox’ 5-3 win over the Blue Jays last night.

Brock Holt, starting at third base, was hitting second and drew a walk to score the Sox’ first run in the first inning. He was 0-for-3.

Bogaerts ended May with a .350 average and .917 OPS. By the end of July, he had slipped to .329 and .871. After last night, he was hitting .294 with an .802 OPS. He has a .663 OPS since Aug. 1.

“That all-field approach is what he’s working extremely hard to get back to,” Farrell said. “He’s been pitched to extensively. But I want to make it clear, Bogey being in the six-hole isn’t reflective of the second half.”

Holt, who is 6-for-25 with a double in eight games since returning from a shoulder injury, has been getting the majority of the playing time at third base against right-handed starters. Travis Shaw is hitless in his last 18 trips to the plate.

“This is a time of year where you’re looking at the current best lineup that you can put on the field,” Farrell said. “We’re fortunate (Holt’s) versatility has shown up in a couple of ways. He’s a confident defender at third base. His skillset is a little bit different than the other guys. Against right-handed pitching, that could be the guy we go to at this point.”