Jonny Gomes was in the starting lineup for the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the ALCS on Saturday night, his fourth start of the series.
John Farrell started Gomes in place of Daniel Nava, who has seen his playing time reduced since the playoffs began. Nava has only started four of Boston's 10 postseason games.
"He's a good hitter and he's been an important part of this team throughout the course of the year," Farrell said of Nava. "We're also at a time of the year where the environment is different. That's not to say he doesn't perform in this environment. But we have a different feel and a different personality on the field when Jonny's in the lineup.
"Call it a hunch, call it whatever you might. That's what it boils down to. It's not easy to leave that left-handed bat [of Nava] out of the lineup."