True to his word, Kevin Youkilis is returning to the Red Sox’ lineup Saturday, two days after a foul ball off of his shin had Red Sox fans fearing a long-term injury.
Youkilis missed his first game of the year on Friday as he sat out with a bruised shin, but promised he would be back to play in the next game. While the Red Sox have so far won three of their four games on this West Coast trip, it’s been a result of strong starting pitching masking an offense that has, quite frankly, struggled since leaving Fenway Park. With Youkilis having found his home run swing again of late, he will be a welcome addition to the heart of the order.
The Red Sox will also start Jason Varitek one day after Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a terrible night behind the plate, and give Jacoby Ellsbury another start at leadoff. Carl Crawford, meanwhile, has dropped to his lowest spot of the year, batting eighth.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jason Varitek, C