Taking the bump for the Sox is John Lackey, who has had tremendous success against his former club. The righty has compiled a 2.45 ERA while winning all four of his starts against the Halos. Lackey struggled in day games last year, however, going 2-5 with a 5.77 ERA compared to a 12-6 record and a 3.89 ERA at night.
Getting the much-deserved day off on Thursday (although after Wednesday night's marathon contest, who doesn't deserve a day off?) is Dustin Pedroia, who has played in all 30 games so far this season. Marco Scutaro will fill in for him at second base while Carl Crawford, who has been batting in the lower-third portion of the Sox' lineup for the majority of the season, will bat second.
Joel Pineiro takes the hill for the Angels in what will be his second start after opening the season on the disabled list with shoulder tightness. In his first outing of the season on Saturday, the former Sox pitcher gave up one run and four hits over seven innings, but didn't get the decision as the Angels lost to the Rays 2-1 in 10 innings.
Check out the lineups below.
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Jed Lowrie, SS
J.D. Drew, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Marco Scutaro, 2B
Angels
Erick Aybar, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Bobby Abreu, LF
Torii Hunter, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Vernon Wells, RF
Mark Trumbo, 1B
Jeff Mathis, C
Peter Bourjos, CF
