BOSTON -- The Yankees flipped their outfield configuration for this weekend’s series at Fenway Park, a shift that was discussed back in Spring Training. Given Alex Verdugo’s familiarity with the ancient diamond and its odd dimensions, they decided this would be an ideal time to try Juan Soto in left field.

Soto gamely accepted the assignment, preparing by watching batting practice drives off the 37-foot-tall Green Monster before Friday’s series opener. While Soto appreciates Fenway’s history, it was less than ideal to be chasing so many wall-denters, especially early in Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Red Sox.

“It’s not that fun when you’re seeing a lot of balls hitting the wall,” Soto said.

Boston pounced on left-hander Carlos Rodón for five runs across the first two innings, including a three-run first that featured three doubles -- Jarren Duran, Tyler O’Neill and Jamie Westbrook all sent drives out toward Soto in left field.

That first frame was uncharacteristically rough for Rodón, who had permitted just four first-inning runs across his first 14 starts.

Rafael Devers extended Boston’s lead with a two-run double in the second. Already having tossed 60 pitches, Rodón knew he needed to help save the bullpen by lasting at least five innings, which he did by clamping the damage there.

“I just left some balls over the middle part of the plate,” said Rodón, who tossed a season-high 109 pitches. “The balls off the wall, they hit some balls really hard off me. I just didn’t get to the area I wanted to, and putting the team down five runs is tough. It makes it hard for them to claw their way out of it, so that’s on me.”

Though Rodón retired 10 of the last 11 batters he faced, the rough effort snapped his string of seven winning starts. Since May 8, he’d gone 7-0 with a 2.28 ERA, the first time in his career that he has won more than five consecutive starts.

“It just looked like he was in the heart of the plate a lot,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I thought his stuff was good, but looking back at those first couple of innings, they put some really good at-bats against him and were making really good contact.”

The Yankees’ offense had several opportunities to close the gap, finishing 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position. DJ LeMahieu delivered a two-out, two-strike single that brought in a pair of second-inning runs, later adding a third RBI on a fielder’s choice.

“I feel all right; I just haven’t gotten in that consistent groove yet, but overall I feel like I’m in a better spot,” LeMahieu said. “I’m seeing the ball and making good swing decisions. I feel like that’s improving.”

LeMahieu’s second-inning knock accounted for the only runs off Boston starter Cooper Criswell, who lasted four innings. Soto teed off in the seventh for his 18th home run of the season, a solo shot off Justin Slaten that replay showed cleared the yellow line atop the Green Monster.

“I thought it was like halfway to the bleachers, then it ended up in the field,” Soto said. “I hit it pretty well.”

If nothing else, the homer is another good sign -- his first after Soto missed three games last week against the Dodgers with inflammation in his left forearm. Soto said his forearm is responding well to treatment.

“Today I made a couple of throws and it was pretty good,” Soto said. “It’s been reacting really well, like in the morning when I wake up and everything, it’s really loosened up. We don’t have to make too much work on it. We’re still working, but little by little we’re getting to 100 percent.”

Soto, who also walked twice, has reached base two or more times in 11 consecutive games -- a career high for him. He’s the first Yankee to record such a streak since Mark Teixeira, who did it in 12 straight games in 2010.

“That’s the most impressive thing about him, his ability to get on base,” LeMahieu said of Soto. “He can hit the ball a long way too, but I think his ability to see the ball and have really good at-bats is what separates him.”