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Making of a lineup

The Red Sox lineup is a bit of a mix-and-match affair today for the series finale against the Angels for a few reasons.

Kevin Youkilis, who missed Tuesday's game because of tightness in his back, returns to the lineup at first base. Jed Lowire is at third base. Coco Crisp, meanwhile, is back on the field for the first time since April 15 when a hamstring issue cropped up. He'll be in center field, which pushes hot-hitting top-of-the-order catalyst Jacoby Ellsbury from center to right in place of J.D. Drew.

Part of the reason for those lineup decisions are based on the Angels starting pitcher, Joe Saunders. He's left-handed and tough on lefties, so left-handed hitters Sean Casey (first base) and Drew will begin today's game on the bench.

Drew also is in a slump, only 2-for-20 on this homestand, which ends today. Ellsbury, also a left-handed hitter, remains in the lineup because he has been hitting well, notching three multiple-hit games in his last four starts. Manager Terry Francona, though, said he told Drew four days ago he'd be sitting this one out because of Saunders.

Behind the plate, meanwhile, will be Kevin Cash, making his fifth straight start because Jason Varitek has been ill.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 10:55 AM | Permalink