The Red Sox are taking another shot at a winning record Friday night, as they send Jon Lester to the mound against Alex Cobb and the Rays. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. with broadcasts by NESN, the MLB Network, and WEEI.
For the first time in over two weeks, the starting lineup will not include Will Middlebrooks, who will be taking the bench in favor of--depending on how you look at it--either Kevin Youkilis, Marlon Byrd, or Scott Podsednik. It's a shame given that he's gotten back to hitting over the last week after a short slump, but we knew that with the return of Kevin Youkilis he would have to miss out on at least a few occasions.
It will be up to the grizzled veterans, then, to hit the young Alex Cobb as he takes the mound for the Rays, with Will available to take over for any big at bats the Sox should come on with one of the weaker outfielders at the plate.
Boston Red Sox (22-22)
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Kevin Youkilis, 3B
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Marlon Byrd, RF
- Scott Podsednik, CF
- Carlos Pena, 1B
- B.J. Upton, CF
- Luke Scott, DH
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Matt Joyce, LF
- Sean Rodriguez, 2B
- Drew Sutton, 3B
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Elliot Johnson, SS
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