The Red Sox got by for a night without first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, as they got some big efforts from Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury on their way to finishing off the Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
All is right with the world again, though, as Gonzalez will return to his customary role of hitting third and playing first base when the Red Sox begin their final series before the All-Star break against the Orioles on Thursday night.
Gonzalez missed his first game of the season on Wednesday night, but he'll be back in there on Thursday against Baltimore starter Jake Arrieta. Gonzalez has hit safely in 34 of his last 42 games, including 20 multi-hit games.
With Gonzalez returning to the lineup, second baseman Dustin Pedroia can return to the second spot. He'll look to continue an eight-game hit streak in which he has hit .313 (10-for-32) with two home runs and five RBIs.
The 25-year-old Arrieta is making just his second career start against the Red Sox. He had a no-decision in his only start against Boston back in September of 2010.
Left-hander Andrew Miller will make his first start against an AL East opponent in a Red Sox uniform. He went seven innings and gave up only one run in his only career start against the Orioles back in 2009 as a member of the Marlins.
Check out both lineups below.
Boston
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Josh Reddick, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
J.D. Drew, RF
Marco Scutaro, SS
Baltimore
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Vladimir Guerrero, DH
Matt Wieters, C
Derek Lee, 1B
Mark Reynolds, 3B
Nolan Reimold, LF
Robert Andino, 2B
