FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox will feature a starting lineup with five regulars at the top of the order against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, including the trio that most hope to see on a daily basis once the season begins.
For the second time in the young Grapefruit League season, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Carl Crawford are the first three hitters in the lineup. They were in that order early in Boston's 7-6 win over Minnesota on Monday.
David Ortiz and J.D. Drew follow the trio, with switch-hitters Jed Lowrie and Jason Varitek after them. Lars Anderson, playing first, will bat No. 8 with third baseman Nate Spears anchoring the lineup.
Everyone should get at least one look at Braves starter Tim Hudson. Varitek is 10-for-24 (.417) with nine RBIs against Hudson.
Atlanta ventured to City of Palms Park with a lineup that features slugging second baseman Dan Uggla and young star Jason Heyward.
Lineups
| Braves | Red Sox |
|---|---|
| Martin Prado LF Jordan Schafer, CF Jason Heyward, RF Dan Uggla, 2B Eric Hinske, DH Alex Gonzalez, SS Freddie Freeman, 1B David Ross, C Ed Lucas, 3B |
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF |
