The Red Sox are out to snap a four-game losing streak that has once again put them below .500 as they take on Martin Perez and the Texas Rangers. First pitch is at 8:05 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN, the MLB Network, and WEEI.
Just a few short days ago a story emerged about how Carl Crawford felt like he had not been given a fair chance in 2011, demoted well down into the bottom half of the lineup after a few bad games by manager Terry Francona. Said narrative led to stories about Bobby V and Carl Crawford getting along, and how things could be different.
Well, welcome to the seven-hole, Carl. Seven games into his injury-delayed season, and Crawford once again finds himself well down in the order.
To be fair, this is likely part of a lineup shuffle specifically designed for the lefty they'll face in Martin Perez, who has been entirely mediocre in Triple-A this year (a red flag that he could dominate the Red Sox based on recent trends). Crawford will almost certainly be back to batting second come the night right-handed starter, but still, given the timing, it's an almost comical change.
Boston Red Sox (48-49)
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Pedro Ciriaco, DH
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Cody Ross, RF
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Carl Crawford, LF
- Kelly Shoppach, C
- Mike Aviles, SS
Texas Rangers (57-38)
- Ian Kinsler, 2B
- Elvis Andrus, SS
- Josh Hamilton, LF
- Adrian Beltre, 3B
- Michael Young, 1B
- Nelson Cruz, DH
- David Murphy, RF
- Mike Napoli, C
- Craig Gentry, CF
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