The Red Sox will try to jump back ahead in their series against the Royals Sunday afternoon as Felix Doubront makes his return from the disabled list against Will Smith. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.
It will be the beginning of the James Loney era in Boston--hopefully short-lived though it should be--as the first base import from Los Angeles gets the start for the day. Mauro Gomez, having picked up four hits last night, will not be left out in the cold, however, as he takes over at DH. Ryan Lavarnway will get the start behind the plate, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia the odd man out.
It's a lineup suited to the times. Not a good one, at least as far as the quality of the players is concerned, but one that puts the guys who need to be playing where they need to be.
The only thing that's really unfortunate is the continued absence of David Ortiz, who seems to still be struggling with his Achilles injury.
Boston Red Sox (60-67)
- Pedro Ciriaco, 3B
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Cody Ross, RF
- James Loney, 1B
- Ryan Lavarnway, C
- Mauro Gomez, DH
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Scott Podsednik, LF
Kansas City Royals (56-69)
- Lorenzo Cain, CF
- Alcides Escobar, SS
- Alex Gordon, LF
- Billy Butler, DH
- Salvador Perez, C
- Jeff Francoeur, RF
- Johnny Giavotella, 2B
- Eric Hosmer, 1B
- Tony Abreu, 3B
Read more on the Red Sox at Over the Monster and SB Nation Boston. Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball.