The Sox are out to take their fifth straight series win Wednesday afternoon as they send Jon Lester to the hill against Ricky Romero and the Toronto Blue Jays. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.
While the Sox will keep some of their lineup switches from Tuesday night intact as they take on another southpaw in Romero, they'll bring Daniel Nava back into the fold in the leadoff position and once again turn to Kelly Shoppach behind the plate as they hope to score a few more runs off the starter this time.
Shoppach's absence from the lineup against the left-handed Laffey yesterday was a bit surprising given his domination of opposite-handed pitching, and while it was Jarrod Saltalamacchia who would eventually play the hero by tying the game at 1-1 with a solo shot, it was only once he was turned around to face Jason Frasor that he was able to do so. Shoppach, on the other hand, enjoys a cool .300/.404/.525 line against lefties, and has frankly been one of Boston's better players when he's been given the opportunity.
The parts that will remain the same include Darnell McDonald's presence in the lineup, as Daniel Nava replaces Brent Lillibridge, and Cody Ross batting fourth. He only contributed a single in last night's win, but he's always a threat at the plate, especially against a lefty.
Boston Red Sox (39-35)
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Cody Ross, RF
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Darnell McDonald, CF
- Kelly Shoppach, C
Toronto Blue Jays (38-36)
- Brett Lawrie, 3B
- Colby Rasmus, CF
- Jose Bautista, RF
- Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
- Ben Francisco, DH
- Yunel Escobar, SS
- Rajai Davis, LF
- J.P. Arencibia, C
- Omar Vizquel, 2B
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