50 Mookie Betts RF

Betts went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Monday's 6-2 win over Baltimore.

Betts delivered a two-run blast in the second inning to extend Boston's lead to four. He continues to play at a high level as the regular season winds down, collecting three straight games with a home run and going 22-for-62 through 17 games in September. Betts will look to stay hot heading into the postseason, with the Red Sox having clinched the No. 1 seed in the American League.

Betts went 4-for-6 with a solo home run, two doubles and two runs scored Sunday against the Indians.

Betts has been resting regularly due to side soreness but played in the outfield for the first time in a week. When he's been in the lineup, he's remained effective and that was no different Sunday, when he launched his 31st home run of the season. While it's unclear how much he'll play in the last week of the season, he has performed too well when he's taken the field to consider other options.

Betts will start in right field and bat leadoff Sunday against the Indians, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

After resting the past two games, Betts will rejoin the lineup in his familiar spot atop the order, but the fact that he's playing the outfield is the more notable development. Since exiting last Sunday's series finale against the Mets with left side soreness, Betts had been limited to designated-hitter duties over his subsequent two starts. Now that he's back in right field again, it appears safe to conclude the Red Sox are comfortable with Betts' health heading into the final week of the regular season.

Manager Alex Cora indicated if Betts (side) is in Wednesday's lineup he's likely to serve as designated hitter, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Betts was withheld from returning to the lineup Tuesday due to wet field conditions, and it appears as though the Red Sox have every reason to remain cautious with his return. J.D. Martinez started in right field Tuesday and could get the starting nod again Wednesday with Betts not expected to play the field.

Betts (side) would have started Tuesday against the Yankees if not for a wet field, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Betts was originally expected to be in the lineup Tuesday, and it sounds as though his absence is not due to any kind of setback. The Red Sox can afford to be cautious with their star outfielder with the division all but wrapped up.