Justin Morneau, the 2006 American League Most Valuable Player, has not played in a major league game since July 7, when he suffered a serious concussion in a collision at second base. He is expected to be in the lineup when Minnesota hosts Boston on Friday afternoon. Morneau played in a "B" game on Tuesday against Pittsburgh, going 1-for-2 with a double.
In the days after Morneau makes his return, the Sox hope to have Gonzalez in the lineup. He continues to take batting practice, showing very good power in the process.
Jon Lester, who missed a start Sunday due to a bout with the flu, will start for Boston, which had a four-game Grapefruit League winning streak snapped Thursday with an 8-6 loss at Tampa. Lester threw two scoreless innings at the Twins on March 1.
Only half of the team will be making the trip to Hammond Stadium. The other half is on the road to Kissimmee to take on the Houston Astros.
When and Where
Red Sox vs. Twins
1:05 p.m.
Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers, Fla.
Pitching matchup
LHP Jon Lester (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Brian Duensing (2-0, 0.00)
Lester threw a three-inning simulated game earlier this week and seems to be completely over the flu. He owns a 4.67 ERA in his career during the regular season vs. Minnesota. Duensing has yielded four hits in five scoreless innings this spring.
Lineups
Lineups will be posted before the first pitch.
Did you know?
The Red Sox can win the Mayor's Cup for the fifth straight season with a victory Friday. They own a 2-1 lead in the five-game series.
When and Where
Red Sox vs. Astros
1:05 p.m.
Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla.
Dustin Pedroia is among those making the long trip to Kissimmee to take on former Red Sox bench coach and current Houston manager Brad Mills.
Marco Scutaro, Ryan Kalish, Jed Lowrie and Darnell McDonald are among those also slated to hop on the bus north. It is the club's third day with two split-squad games in the past week.
Pitching matchup
RHP Kyle Weiland (0-1, 6.75) vs. RHP Brett Myers (0-0, 3.60)
Weiland has allowed seven hits and two walks in his four innings. Myers is 1-2 with a 6.43 ERA in six starts against Boston in his career.
Lineups
Lineups will be posted before the first pitch.
Did you know?
First baseman Koby Clemens, the son of Roger Clemens, is 2-for-21 (.095) with seven strikeouts this spring. Roger was present at City of Palms Park when the Astros paid a visit Tuesday afternoon.
