The series opener between the Red Sox and Royals may have to be put on hold, with serious thunderstorms moving through Kansas City throughout the day on Monday.
A strong band of storms is moving through the area, and Weather.com forecasts between a 90 and 100 percent chance of precipitation throughout the afternoon and until 7 p.m. locally. Check back with NESN.com throughout the day for any updates from Kansas City.
The Red Sox' lineup is posted and, save for J.D. Drew's absence, is likely their playoff lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. David Ortiz, DH
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Rocco Baldelli, RF
9. Alex Gonzalez, SS
Sitting Drew may be for nothing more than giving him rest. He's played in 29 of 31 games since Aug. 18. He is 1-for-3 with a walk in his career against Royals starter Lenny DiNardo, while Baldelli is 0-for-1 with a strikeout.
Update 5:29 p.m.: The forecast has lightened just a bit, with Weather.com now calling for a 70-80 percent chance of precipitation from now until game time.
