PHOENIX — In the wake of Roman Anthony’s oblique injury , Red Sox manager Alex Cora figured he’d shift Jarren Duran back to his familiar spot as the leadoff man against most — if not all — right-handed pitchers. But on Saturday, it was Masataka Yoshida, for the first time in the major leagues, hitting first against the Diamondbacks.

The reason? Cora likes having Duran near the middle of the lineup as a potential run-producer. Against Arizona righty Brandon Pfaadt, Duran is hitting third behind Alex Bregman. Trevor Story and hot-hitting first baseman Nathaniel Lowe are hitting fourth and fifth. Yoshida, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles in his last game Tuesday against Cleveland, was therefore the choice to hit first .

“He had a good game the other day,” Cora said. “Trying to keep Jar

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