The injury-riddled Red Sox cobble together another unconventional lineup Sunday to close out their four-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez bats third, but he's just about the only one who is in his normal spot in the order. Marco Scutaro leads off again, with Darnell McDonald playing center field for the second straight day and batting second.
Dustin Pedroia mans the cleanup spot, followed by Jed Lowrie, filling in at third base for injured Kevin Youkilis. Recent PawSox call-up Ryan Lavarnway bats sixth as the designated hitter in place of David Ortiz.
A day after pounding out eight runs in the sixth inning, the Royals' lineup is largely unchanged. Right-handed batter Johnny Giavotella replaced left-handed swinging Chris Getz at second base against Red Sox lefty Jon Lester.
Red Sox
Marco Scutaro, SS
Darnell McDonald, CF
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Jed Lowrie, 3B
Ryan Lavarnway, DH
Carl Crawford, LF
Jason Varitek, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Jon Lester, P
Royals
Alex Gordon, LF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Billy Butler, DH
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Johnny Giavotella, 2B
Salvador Perez, C
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Alcides Escobar, SS
Danny Duffy, P
