The Red Sox are in danger of being swept on July 4th as they take on the Oakland Athletics in the final game of what has been a frustrating West Coast trip. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN, the MLB Network, and WEEI.
Unfortunately, while the Sox could really use a win today, they're facing an uphill battle with events conspiring to put them behind the proverbial eight ball. With Aaron Cook having been bumped ahead of Franklin Morales for the Wednesday start, the Sox could use some good infield defense.
Instead, they've got Nick Punto at second in place of the top-class glove of Dustin Pedroia (out having jammed his thumb again), and Mauro Gomez playing third base--a position he's never performed well at--for the first time since 2009.
It's an ugly combination both in the lineup and on the field, but for now the injuries just won't stop.
Boston Red Sox (42-39)
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Ryan Kalish, CF
- David Ortiz, DH
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Mauro Gomez, 3B
- Cody Ross, RF
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Nick Punto, 2B
Oakland Athletics (40-42)
- Coco Crisp, CF
- Jemile Weeks, 2B
- Josh Reddick, RF
- Yoenis Cespedes, LF
- Seth Smith, DH
- Brandon Moss, 1B
- Derek Norris, C
- Brandon Inge, 3B
- Cliff Pennington, SS
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