Ryan Sweeney is back in the Boston lineup Monday afternoon as the Sox welcome the Tigers into Fenway Park for a four-game series. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.
The Sox have been without Sweeney ever since he was sent to the 7-day disabled list for a concussion back in Philadelphia. Now, with his concussion test coming up clear, Sweeney will make his return, playing center field and batting seventh.
His return actually brings some wholesale changes in the batting order. Daniel Nava will lead off, while Adrian Gonzalez will stay in right field and hit third as the Sox try to keep their lineup strong. Will Middlebrooks drops down to eighth, making any eventual defensive replacement a lot easier on the batting order, while Mike Aviles hits last.
Boston Red Sox (23-24)
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, RF
- David Ortiz, DH
- Kevin Youkilis, 1B
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Ryan Sweeney, CF
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Mike Aviles, SS
Detroit Tigers (23-24)
- Quintin Berry, CF
- Ryan Raburn, RF
- Miguel Cabrera, 3B
- Prince Fielder, 1B
- Delmon Young, DH
- Jhonny Peralta, SS
- Andy Dirks, LF
- Gerald Laird, C
- Danny Worth, 2B
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