The Red Sox will look to keep their five-game winning streak alive Friday night as they kick off a three-game series against the Braves in Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN, the MLB Network, and WEEI.
After last night's game, Bobby Valentine was asked how he could possibly keep Will Middlebrooks out of the lineup. On the back of three impressive performances, it seems that he couldn't find a good answer. For the second straight game it will be Middlebrooks getting the start in place of Kevin Youkilis, batting seventh against the right-handed Jair Jurrjens while Adrian Gonzalez mans first base.
In fact, the entire lineup will remain the same for what seems like the first time in weeks. No shuffling of the outfield or infield, Jarrod Saltalamacchia still behind the plate, and with the Sox at home, no need to make accommodations for David Ortiz. Not even a change in the order. Is this stability at last? Not likely, but it's nice to have if only for a day or two.
Boston Red Sox (36-33)
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- David Ortiz, DH
- Cody Ross, RF
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Ryan Kalish, CF
- Mike Aviles, SS
Atlanta Braves (37-32)
- Michael Bourn, CF
- Martin Prado, 3B
- Brian McCann, C
- Dan Uggla, 2B
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Chipper Jones, DH
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Matt Diaz, LF
- Andrelton Simmons, SS
For more news, notes and analysis on the Boston Red Sox, check out Over the Monster. Then head over to Talking Chop for the Atlanta Braves' fan perspective.