Boston is hoping for a better performance from Jon Lester (5-8, 5.46 ERA), who has been downright horrid in his last few starts. And they'll need to find a way to get to CC Sabathia (10-3, 3.30), who has been sharp as usual over the summer, even with 15 days on the disabled list.
The Red Sox will have to get to the Yankees without one player who has been pretty decent against Sabathia. Carl Crawford (.319 against Sabathia) won't play Saturday night due to a predetermined plan to keep the outfielder healthy, manager Bobby Valentine said Saturday afternoon.
Instead, Dustin Pedroia (.243 against Sabathia), Adrian Gonzalez (.200), Jacoby Ellsbury (.250) and Mike Aviles (.462 at 6-for-13) will have to shoulder the load.
Pedro Ciriaco continues to see at-bats as the designated hitter, as David Ortiz is still out.
The Yankees are sending their usual powerful lineup to the plate, with Andruw Jones getting the start in left field (batting fifth) and Ichiro Suzuki (eighth) playing right.
The Red Sox are 1-6 against the Yankees this year and have been outscored 59-35.
Red Sox (49-51)
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Pedro Ciriaco DH
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Cody Ross RF
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Kelly Shoppach C
Mike Aviles SS
Daniel Nava LF
Jon Lester P
Yankees (60-39)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Adam Jones LF
Jayson Nix 3B
Russell Martin DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Chad Stewart C
CC Sabathia P
