Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for has finally come. Baseball is back!
After nearly five months off the diamond, the Boston Red Sox return to action on Saturday as they welcome the Northeastern Huskies and the Boston College Eagles as a part of a collegiate Spring Training doubleheader at brand new JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
The Red Sox will feature a split squad on Saturday at the Fort with the majority of the big name players being featured in the first game against the Huskies. Some of the notables that will be playing in the first game are Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jon Lester. Meanwhile, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz will see action in the second game against the Eagles.
Even though it's just Spring Training, many Red Sox fans are excited to see what new manager Bobby Valentine does as he makes his Red Sox managing debut today. Sox fans will also be able to see the new makeup of the coaching staff today, as now bench coach Tim Bogar will be the only familiar face.
As expected, Carl Crawford will not be playing in either game today as he continues to rehab after having surgery on his left wrist. Crawford suffered a bit of a setback on Friday, but will look to continue moving forward and could be ready by opening day.
Here is the full Red Sox lineup including pitchers for the 2:35 p.m. afternoon seven-inning game against Northeastern:
Boston Red Sox vs. Northeastern Huskies, 2:35 p.m.
- Jose Iglesias, SS
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Jarrod Saltalmacchia, C
- Darnell McDonald, DH
- Ryan Sweeney, RF
- Cody Ross, LF
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
SP- Jon Lester
Other available pitchers: Justin Germano, Michael Bowden, Matt Albers
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