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The Boston Red Sox (43-43) head down to St. Petersburg to begin the second half of the season as they start a three game series against the Tampa Bay Rays (45-41).
The big news coming into this weekend's series is the expected return of OF Jacoby Ellsbury, who has been on the disabled list for the last three months after a collision with Rays' infielder Reid Brignac. Ellsbury's return to the top of the order will be a big lift for the Red Sox, who lost six of their last seven games heading into the All-Star break.
Boston will send Franklin Morales (1-2, 3.50 ERA) to the mound for Friday's game. Morales was roughed up in his last start against the New York Yankees, giving up four home runs and six earned runs in just 3-1/3 innings.
The Rays will counter with reigning AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson (4-5, 3.41 ERA). Hellickson has lost his last five decisions, but that stat is deceiving. Hellickson has given up three earned runs or less in nine of his last ten starts, but the Rays offense has only averaged 2.9 runs a game over the same stretch.
Take a look here at the game schedule and broadcast information:
Date/Time: Friday, July 13, 7:10 p.m. ET
Location: Tropicana Field
TV: NESN/SunSports
Online streaming: MLB.tv
For more news, notes and analysis on the Boston Red Sox, check out Over The Monster. Then head over to DRaysBay for the Tampa Bay Rays' fan perspective.