Red Sox Announce Fenway Park Opener Lineup Against Padres

Newcomer Sonny Gray to take the mound for Boston in home debut.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the energy and excitement of a baseball game at Fenway Park, players' faces and uniforms dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of color.The electric atmosphere of Opening Day at historic Fenway Park erupts onto the canvas in a burst of color and motion.San Diego Today

The Boston Red Sox have finalized their starting lineup for Friday's home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park. Newcomer Sonny Gray will make his Fenway debut on the mound for Boston, while the Padres will counter with Michael King. The Red Sox are looking to bounce back after a 1-5 start to the season on the road.

Why it matters

The Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park is always a highly anticipated event for the team and its loyal fanbase. This year's matchup against the Padres features several intriguing storylines, including the debut of new Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray and the return of former Boston star Xander Bogaerts, who now plays for the Padres.

The details

Boston's starting lineup includes newcomers like DH Roman Anthony and 1B Wilson Contreras, as well as returning stars like SS Trevor Story and CF Cedanne Rafaela. The Padres' lineup features superstar players like RF Fernando Tatis Jr., 3B Manny Machado, and former Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts.

  • The game is scheduled for a 2:10 p.m. first pitch on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Red Sox are honoring the 40th anniversary of their 1986 American League Championship team before the game.

The players

Sonny Gray

A newcomer to the Red Sox, Sonny Gray will make his Fenway Park debut as the starting pitcher for Boston in the home opener.

Xander Bogaerts

A former star shortstop for the Red Sox, Xander Bogaerts now plays for the San Diego Padres and will face his old team in the home opener.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The home opener at Fenway is always a special day for the Red Sox and our fans. We're excited to get back home and build some momentum after a tough start on the road.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to build on their home opener performance as they continue their series against the Padres over the weekend at Fenway Park.

The takeaway

The Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park marks an exciting new chapter for the team, with the debut of pitcher Sonny Gray and the return of former star Xander Bogaerts as a member of the opposing Padres. The game will be a chance for the Red Sox to regain their footing after a slow start to the season.