The Red Sox will take on the White Sox in the first of a four-game series Thursday night, sending Felix Doubront to the mound against Chicago's Phil Humber, who's coming fresh off his perfect game against the Seattle Mariners. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. EST, with broadcasts by NESN, the MLB Network, and WEEI.
More injury concerns for the Red Sox leave Bobby Valentine forced into the unfortunate situation of starting Lars Anderson in left field in place of Cody Ross, who tweaked his knee in Wednesday's game against the Twins. It doesn't appear as though Ross is seriously hurt, but it was enough for the organization to give him a day off with the Sox in the midst of a prolonged stretch of games.
Many will remember Lars Anderson as a former top prospect who seemed the heir apparent at first base a few years back. Things did not go so well for him in his 2009 campaign with the Sea Dogs, however, and while a hot start to 2010 earned him a promotion to Triple-A, he's since struggled to find his old dominance at the plate. In an attempt to earn more playing time and market himself to teams where he might have an opportunity, Lars has added left field to his repertoire in recent years. Hopefully he won't be tested too much tonight.
Boston Red Sox (7-10)
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Ryan Sweeney, RF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Kevin Youkilis, 3B
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Lars Anderson, LF
- Marlon Byrd, CF
Chicago White Sox (10-8)
- Alejandro De Aza, CF
- Alexei Ramirez, SS
- Adam Dunn, DH
- Paul Konerko, 1B
- A.J. Pierzynski, C
- Alex Rios, RF
- Dayan Viciedo, LF
- Brent Morel, 3B
- Gordon Beckham, 2B
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