The Red Sox and Athletics will play the rubber game of their three-game series Wednesday night as Will Middlebrooks makes his major league debut for Boston. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. EST with coverage on NESN and WEEI.
For the Red Sox, this could be the beginning of an era with Will Middlebrooks at third. Kevin Youkilis has been moved to the disabled list for his lower back injury, facilitating a call-up for the top prospect in the Red Sox system and presumptive third baseman of the future. He'll get his first major league cuts in against a tough opponent in Brandon McCarthy.
The Sox will turn to Daniel Bard on the mound, hoping that the young starter can continue his production. Through the first month of the season, he has excelled in he rotation, currently topping the starting five in terms of ERA.
Boston Red Sox (11-12)
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Ryan Sweeney, RF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Cody Ross, LF
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Marlon Byrd, CF
Oakland Athletics (12-13)
- Coco Crisp, LF
- Cliff Pennington, SS
- Josh Reddick, RF
- Yoenis Cespedes, C
- Seth Smith, DH
- Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
- Kurt Suzuki, C
- Brandon Inge, 3B
- Eric Sogard, 2B