Kelly Shoppach Catching Josh Beckett, Cody Ross Batting Cleanup Against Rangers

by Ryan Chiavetta on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 6:14PM

The Red Sox had a rough night against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, and will be turning to Josh Beckett to end their two game slide.

After having great success catching Beckett in his first start, Kelly Shoppach will be behind the plate and batting seventh when the two teams take the field on Wednesday night.

Beckett was shelled in Detroit with Jarrod Saltalamacchia starting, but tossed a gem against Tampa Bay with Shoppach as his catcher, going eight innings allowing five hits and only one run in a 12-2 Red Sox win.

Another major lineup change throws Cody Ross in right field, and also into the cleanup spot against the Rangers' Derek Holland. While Ross has been playing well when he's had the chance, the move is likely due to the continuing struggles of Kevin Youkilis, who is batting .176 this season.

With Ross in the cleanup spot, David Ortiz will bat fifth and Youkilis behind him in the six hole. Darnell McDonald will start in left field and bat eighth.

Red Sox

Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Cody Ross, RF
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Kelly Shoppach, C
Darnell McDonald, LF
Jason Repko, CF

Josh Beckett, P

Texas Rangers

Ian Kinsler, 2B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Josh Hamilton, CF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Nelson Cruz, RF
David Murphy, LF
Mike Napoli, C
Mitch Moreland, DH
Brandon Snyder, 1B

Derek Holland, P