Jackson Holliday batting ninth in major league debut

BOSTON – Jackson Holliday is making his major league debut tonight at second base as the Orioles try to claim a series win against the Red Sox.

Holliday is batting ninth. And yes, he’s wearing No. 7, which was unofficially retired to honor Cal Ripken Sr. No one wore it since 1992.

Infielder Billy Ripken was the last player to wear it in 1988, after his father was fired as manager only six games into the season, and into the historic 21-game losing streak.

“Our family is thrilled that @J_Holliday7 will be wearing dad's #7 ... Excited to watch him play!,” Cal Ripken Jr. posted on the former Twitter.

Colton Cowser stays in left field and Jordan Westburg is playing third base. Westburg should get used to it because Holliday is likely to get the bulk of the work at second.

Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo will wait for opportunities to play. The infield suddenly doesn’t look as flexible.

Ryan O’Hearn is serving as designated hitter.

Left-hander Cole Irvin is working on seven days’ rest after allowing four runs in five innings against the Royals. He’s posted a 4.08 ERA and 1.132 WHIP in five career games (two starts) against the Red Sox.

The Red Sox moved up right-hander Kutter Crawford to make tonight’s start with Nick Pivetta sidelined by a mild flexor strain.

Crawford has made two starts and allowed one earned run (two total) and five hits in 10 2/3 innings. He’s struck out 12 batters.

Tonight’s assignment keeps Crawford on normal rest after pitching Friday in Anaheim.

Crawford has faced the Orioles three times and allowed 11 runs and 13 hits in 9 2/3 innings. Anthony Santander and Adley Rutschman are 2-for-5 with a home run. Cedric Mullins is 2-for-5 with two doubles.

For the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson SS
Adley Rutschman C
Anthony Santander RF
Ryan O’Hearn DH
Ryan Mountcastle 1B
Cedric Mullins CF
Colton Cowser LF
Jordan Westburg 3B
Jackson Holliday 2B

Cole Irvin RHP

For the Red Sox

Jarren Duran LF
Tyler O’Neill RF
Rafael Devers 3B
Triston Casas 1B
Romy Gonzalez SS
Pablo Reyes 2B
Masataka Yoshida DH
Connor Wong C
Ceddanne Rafaela CF

Kutter Crawford RHP