BOSTON –– Mike Aviles is the Red Sox' new leadoff hitter –– at least for one day.
During spring training, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine admitted that he was attempting to warm up to that idea. Now, he's testing it out in the regular season.
With Jacoby Ellsbury shelved with a subluxed shoulder, Valentine tapped Aviles to start it off. And the shortstop is prepared to adapt to any situation.
"I know very well I can hit leadoff [Saturday] and hit ninth [Sunday]," Aviles said. "I'm one of 25, I'm just a piece here. However it falls, I'm ready to get on base and do whatever I have to do to keep the chain moving."
Here's a look at the complete lineups for Saturday.
Red Sox
Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Cody Ross, CF
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Darnell McDonald, LF
Clay Buchholz, P
Rays
Desmond Jennings, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
Matt Joyce, LF
Ben Zobrist, RF
Luke Scott, DH
Jeff Keppinger, 2B
Jose Molina, C
Sean Rodriguez, SS
Jeremy Hellickson, P
