Curtis Mead plays second in Red Sox debut

Key Points:

• The Red Sox acquired Curtis Mead from the Nationals in a trade, prompting lineup adjustments including Andruw Monasterio becoming the everyday shortstop and Tsung-Che Cheng being sent to Triple-A Worcester to clear a roster spot.
• Interim manager Chad Tracy outlined strategic changes, with Caleb Durbin as a backup shortstop and Anthony Seigler's playing time reduced, moving from a regular starter to a bench role despite his positive attitude toward the trade.
• Masataka Yoshida continued as the leadoff hitter, while Ceddanne Rafaela was moved down in the order to fifth, a change that allowed him more freedom to attempt steals and resulted in his first career grand slam.
• Curtis Mead, traded four times in the past year, is now viewed as a valuable, controllable hitter, and he expressed optimism about joining the Red Sox and building relationships with teammates amid the trade's whirlwind.
• Connelly Early, traded to the Nationals in exchange for Mead, is recovering from elbow inflammation and expected to pitch in a minor league rehab game soon; he expressed excitement about playing closer to home and reconnecting with familiar personnel.