Kevin Youkilis to Bat Cleanup As Red Sox Open Up Three-Game Series in Toronto

by Didier Morais on Mon, Apr 9, 2012 at 4:04PM

Bobby Valentine has reinserted Kevin Youkilis, Cody Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia into Monday's lineup –– in the first game against the Blue Jays –– after giving them a breather on Sunday.

The only noticeable difference is the skipper slotted Youkilis in the cleanup spot over David Ortiz, who hit fourth in the first two games of the season. It's likely a strategic move to help Youkilis shake off his early 0-for-8 start.

Here are the lineups.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Cody Ross, LF
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Mike Aviles, SS

Felix Doubront, P

Blue Jays
Yunel Escobar, SS
Kelly Johnson, 2B
Jose Bautista, RF
Edwin Encarnacion, DH
Adam Lind, 1B
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Rajai Davis, LF
J.P. Arencibia, C
Colby Rasmus, CF

Henderson Alvarez, P