The Boston Red Sox will start Travis Shaw at third base on Opening Day, a decision that sends Pablo Sandoval to the bench.

Shaw is a former ninth-round draft pick. Sandoval was signed to a $95 million contract before the 2015 season.

"For right now to start the season, I feel this is the best for our team to go with this alignment," John Farrell said. "My focus is on the guys that are in uniform, not what's attached to them or what their contract states."