Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Verdugo will be benched Thursday against Cleveland due to a "lack of hustle," Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo didn't give maximum effort on the basepaths during a fielder's choice by Masataka Yoshida in Wednesday's game, and Cora will seemingly use Verdugo to send a message to the rest of the team. Cora also said that the 27-year-old outfielder will return to Boston's lineup Friday.

Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a bit strange to see Verdugo on the bench with Cleveland throwing right-hander Aaron Civale, but there's been no indication he's dealing with an injury. Rob Refsnyder will be in right field for the Red Sox and Jarren Duran has been elevated to the leadoff spot.

Verdugo went 2-for-5 in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with a minor illness. The outfielder has seven hits over his last 17 at-bats.

Verdugo (illness) will start in right field and bat leadoff Wednesday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo sat out Tuesday's 9-8 loss in the series opener while he was under the weather, but he's feeling well enough to take back his usual spot in the outfield Wednedsay. Raimel Tapia will head back to the bench after going 3-for-5 with a pair of extra-base hits, two runs and two RBI while filling in for Verdugo at the top of the lineup against Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Boston manager Alex Cora acknowledged Verdugo was not feeling well Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "Dugie is not feeling great," Cora said when asked about using Verdugo as a pinch hitter Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Cora wanted to give the Verdugo the entire day off due to the illness, which is why the manager stayed away from him during the Red Sox's late rally in a 9-8 loss to the Reds. There were ideal spots to use him, as the struggling Jarren Duran and Triston Casas made the final outs with a runner at third base in the team's five-run ninth inning. Cora expects Verdugo back Wednesday.

Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unusual to see Verdugo getting a day off with a right-hander (Ben Lively) on the mound, but this does seem to simply be him getting some rest. Raimel Tapia will be in right field and will hit leadoff.

Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo went 0-for-12 over his last three games, which led to him getting Wednesday off ahead of Thursday's travel day. He'd gone five contests without an extra-base hit. Despite the recent slump, Verdugo remains one of the Red Sox's most consistent hitters. He's slashing .292/.364/.464 with five home runs, 20 RBI, 38 runs scored and three stolen bases through 49 games.

Verdugo is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo is among the left-handed hitters on the bench as the Red Sox go up against southpaw Tyler Anderson. Raimel Tapia is a left-handed hitter himself but will play right field in Verdugo's place.

Verdugo (groin) is starting Friday against the Padres, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being forced to exit Wednesday's contest against the Mariners early due to left groin tightness, Verdugo will return to Boston's lineup without missing a game. The 27-year-old outfielder is on pace for the best season of his career and is slashing .305/.380/.497 through 43 contests.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Verdugo (groin) should be able to play Friday in San Diego, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo was removed from Wednesday's game in the third inning due to tightness in his left groin. The Red Sox termed the removal as precautionary, and the outfielder should be good to go after Thursday's team off day.