For the second time in two nights, a key team member will return to the lineup for the Boston Red Sox.
Will Middlebrooks will bat eighth and play third base on Friday night as the Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.
Middlebrooks was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained calf in early April after playing in just four regular season games. The 25-year-old will join the club Friday in place of infielder Brock Holt, who was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket earlier in the day after hitting .348 over his seven-game stint in the majors.
The rest of Boston’s lineup remains relatively unchanged, as Shane Victorino bats second and plays right field for the second straight night after making his 2014 debut against the New York Yankees on Thursday.
A.J. Pierzynski will get the start behind the plate, batting seventh and catching for Red Sox pitcher Jake Peavy, who owns a 3.33 ERA in four starts this season.
The Sox will have their hands full with Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, who has allowed just two earned runs over 28 innings pitched in his first four starts.
Boston Red Sox (10-13)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Shane Victorino, RF
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Jake Peavy, RHP (0-0, 3.33 ERA)
Toronto Blue Jays (11-11)
Jose Reyes, SS
Melky Cabrera, LF
Jose Bautista, RF
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
Dioner Navarro, C
Juan Francisco, DH
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Colby Rasmus, CF
Ryan Goins, 2B
Mark Buehrle, LHP (4-0, 0.64 ERA)
