After starting the season slowly, it seemed really unfair that Jacoby Ellsbury suffered a groin injury just as he was beginning to make a real impact for the Red Sox. However, after five games riding the pine, the Red Sox’ leadoff hitter is back in center field and atop the lineup.
Jonny Gomes hits behind Ellsbury in the No. 2 hole. Although Gomes may not be a conventional choice to hit second, his on-base proclivities make him well-suited to create some scoring opportunities ahead of Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Mike Napoli. Gomes may not be a speedster, but he can take a walk with the best of them.
Aside from that, Jose Iglesias moves over to shortstop after seeing some time at third base (the spot Pedro Ciriaco is occupying Thursday), while David Ross gets the start behind the plate.
Ross will be guiding Jon Lester on the mound, who looks to win his seventh game of the season despite yielding at least four earned runs in each of his last three starts.
For the Rangers, phenom Jurickson Profar continues to start at second base for the injured Ian Kinsler, while left-hander Derek Holland (5-2, 2.81 ERA) looks to continue a successful campaign.
Check out the starting lineups for both teams, below.
Texas Rangers
Elvis Andrus, SS
David Murphy, LF
Lance Berkman, 1B
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Nelson Cruz, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Jeff Baker, DH
Craig Gentry, CF
Jurickson Profar, 2B
Derek Holland, LHP
Boston Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Jonny Gomes, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
David Ross, C
Jose Iglesias, SS
Pedro Ciriaco, 3B
Jon Lester, LHP
