Tonight's game will surely be one to watch, both because of Dustin Pedroia's long-awaited return to the lineup, and because it will feature a truly great pitching matchup.
Pedroia's return obviously means everything to the Sox. His offensive and defensive contributions are well known, as is the energy and personality with which he plays. He's as fun to watch as any player in the league, and both the Sox and Sox fans have really missed the guy.
His return comes at a perfect time — while the Sox still have a chance to close the gap on the AL East leading Rays and Yankees.
Standing in their way tonight will be Angels ace Jered Weaver. Luckily, the Sox will be featuring a pitcher who is having an even better year, Clay Buchholz. Both starters have ERAs under 3.00, but Buchholz's (2.45) leads the league, while Weaver is seventh-best (2.87). Weaver has not received much support, going 11-7 thus far despite his sub-3.00 ERA, but his win-share contribution has been the second highest of any pitcher in the AL. Buchholz's 13 wins put him in the top five in the AL.
Both are having career years, taking major steps forward from years past.
So which storyline from tonight's game are you more excited about? Text 'SOX1' to 542542 for "Pedroia's return," or Text 'SOX2' to 542542 for "Buchholz vs. Weaver."
