Ortiz and Gregg will both serve their three game suspensions — which was reduced from four games — during the series. Fortunately for the Red Sox, though, they'll also be welcoming back left fielder Carl Crawford.
Crawford will bat sixth in the series opener on Monday. He's been out since June 17 with a strained hamstring, but after two rehab starts in Pawtucket, the Sox feel like he is ready to return.
While Crawford's .243 average and .275 on base percentage are well below his career .294 and .334 marks, the speedy outfielder had improved in the weeks leading up to the injury after a dysmal start. He should provide some added firepower to the Red Sox offense, which ranks at or near the top of the majors in nearly every major offensive statistical category.
But with Crawford back, the Sox will also need to be creative when it comes to getting Josh Reddick into the lineup. Reddick, who enters the series in Baltimore hitting .352 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 71 at-bats, will get the nod in center field and bat fifth on Monday.
Jacoby Ellsbury will remain in the Red Sox lineup despite getting a day off in the field. He'll be in his customary leadoff spot, while serving as the team's DH.
Tim Wakefield will take the hill for the Sox, while Brad Bergesen gets the nod for the O's.
Here is how the complete lineups look for Monday night's game.
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, DH
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Josh Reddick, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
J.D. Drew, RF
Marco Scutaro, SS
Orioles
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Derrek Lee, 1B
Mark Reynolds, 3B
Noland Reimold, DH
Felix Pie, RF
Robert Andino, 2B
