Through mid-May, Jon Lester was one of best pitchers in the majors. More than a month later, he is getting desperate for a win.
The lefty started off 6-0 with a 2.72 ERA, but is 0-4 with a 7.20 ERA in his previous six starts. Lester will look to end his dry spell and earn his first career win against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. In his five career starts against the Tigers, he’s 0-2 with a 4.78 ERA.
But Lester isn’t the only one who’s in a bit of a slump. Will Middlebrooks, who went 0-4 Thursday — lowering his batting average to .192 on the season — will be watching Friday’s game from the dugout, as Jose Iglesias will gets the start at third base. Iglesias has had a hot bat as of late, hitting safely in eight of his last 23 plate appearances. Iglesias will look to continue to provide offense against Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister, who flirted with a no-hitter on Sunday against the Twins.
Check out the team’s starting lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (44-31)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jose Iglesias, 3B
Jon Lester, P
Detroit Tigers (40-31)
Omar Infante, 2B
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 3B
Prince Fielder, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Jhonny Peralta, Â SS
Avisail Garcia, CF
Andy Dirks, LF
Brayan Pena, C
Doug Fister, P
