The constantly shuffling lineup of the Red Sox has David Ortiz back in the DH spot as the Sox look to earn a series split against the A's and lefty Gio Gonzalez.
J.D. Drew also returns to the lineup after starting Wednesday's game on the bench. Both Ortiz and Drew eventually entered Wednesday's game, with Ortiz going 0-for-1 and Drew going 1-for-2.
Adam LaRoche will start the game on the bench for the second time this series. He entered Tuesday night's game for Ortiz, who had to leave to be with his daughter at the hospital. Ortiz later said his daughter had a stomach sickness and that she was fine.
Mike Lowell is also back at third base after serving as the designated hitter Wednesday night, while Nick Green returns to the field, hoping to atone for his two errors in the ninth inning on Tuesday.
The lineup for Thursday's matinee is as follows:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
4. Jason Bay, LF
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Mike Lowell, 3B
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Nick Green, SS
