As the Red Sox kick off interleague play, they will do so without a designated hitter, relegating a scorching David Ortiz to the bench.
In positive news, Marco Scutaro is back in action, leading off and playing shortstop for the Red Sox after missing two days with a cortisone injection to his left (non-throwing) arm to treat tennis elbow.
Scoot is currently hitting .267 with a .359 on-base percentage and ranks fourth among AL shortstops in Wins Above Replacement so far on the year. He's contributing both with the bat and in the field.
In the absence of Big Papi, Victor Martinez and Kevin Youkilis comprise the meat of the order. In the outfield, J.D. Drew mans right field while the center and left field positions belong to Darnell McDonald and Bill Hall, respectively. This outfield configuration is common when facing left-handed starters as the Red Sox will face Cole Hamels tonight.
The Phillies will head into battle with Jimmy Rollins aboard their lineup. Rollins recently returned after missing a month due to injury. He's hitting .342 on the year and drove in three runs on Thursday night.
The rest of the order is imposing with Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth hitting in the 3-4-5 slots.
Here are your lineups:
Red Sox
Marco Scutaro, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Victor Martinez, C
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
J.D. Drew, RF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Bill Hall, LF
Darnell McDonald, CF
John Lackey, P
Phillies
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Placido Polanco, 3B
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Jayson Werth, RF
Raul Ibanez, LF
Shane Victorino, CF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Cole Hamels, P
