Terry Francona knows this three-game series against the Rays is a big one, so he wants to put out the best lineup he possibly can.
Insert Mike Cameron. The center fielder only played in one of the three games against Baltimore over the Fourth of July weekend, but Cameron is back in action on Monday, playing center and batting in the No. 8 hole. Cameron is hitting .264 with one home run and nine RBIs in just 32 games this season.
With Cameron patrolling center, Eric Patterson will start in left field and hit second in the order. Kevin Cash also makes his return to the lineup and will catch Daisuke Matsuzaka and hit ninth.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams:
Boston Red Sox
1. Marco Scutaro, SS
2. Eric Patterson, LF
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Bill Hall, 2B
8. Mike Cameron, CF
9. Kevin Cash, C
Tampa Bay Rays
1. Ben Zobrist, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Willy Aybar, DH
5. Matt Joyce, RF
6. Sean Rodriguez, 2B
7. Carlos Pena, 1B
8. Jason Bartlett, SS
9. John Jaso, C
