Jon Lester hasn't pitched since July 5 due to a left lat strain. But he'll return to the mound at Fenway on Monday and, if the past is any indication, the Royals might be the perfect team for him to return against.
Lester is 4-1 with a 1.22 ERA in five career starts against Kansas City, which includes his 2008 no-hitter. He has yet to face the Royals this season, though.
Going up against Lester and the Sox will be right-hander Kyle Davies, who is in the midst of a dismal season. He enters Monday's matchup at 1-9 with a 7.32 ERA. He is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in three career starts against the Red Sox.
The Sox will send out a common lineup against Davies and Co. on Monday night. It will mark the fifth straight game that the lineup hasn't changed outside of the catcher's spot at No. 8.
Josh Reddick, who has likely become the team's everyday right fielder because of his performance this season and J.D. Drew's most recent injury, will bat seventh.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is swinging a hot bat to start the second half of the season, will be Lester's catcher in the lefty's return, while Marco Scutaro rounds out the order in the nine hole.
Here's a look at the complete lineups for Monday's game.
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Carl Crawford, LF
Josh Reddick, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Marco Scutaro, SS
Royals
Alex Gordon, LF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Billy Butler, DH
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Mike Aviles, 3B
Brayan Pena, C
Alcides Escobar, SS
Chris Getz, 2B
