After a stiff back prevented him from playing Friday and Saturday against the Mariners, Kevin Youkilis makes his return to Boston's lineup for Sunday's series finale.
Youkilis assumes his usual role for Boston, batting in the cleanup spot and playing third base after Mike Aviles made a start at the hot corner on Saturday.
Youk's re-entry in the lineup means Terry Francona had to make some changes to the batting order, much to the dismay of Dustin Pedroia. The Sports Illustrated cover boy is moved out of the cleanup spot and has been moved up to his customary No. 2 spot behind center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez and designated hitter David Ortiz will again hit third and fifth, respectively.
The bottom third of the order also gets a makeover with left fielder Carl Crawford, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and right fielder Darnell McDonald rounding out the Boston lineup. Crawford had hit second on Saturday while Saltalamacchia and McDonald did not start.
Seattle's lineup remains the same at the top with the first five hitters reprising their roles from Saturday. Miguel Olivo returns behind the plate and will bat sixth, moving left fielder Casper Wells from the sixth spot to the seventh spot. Shortstop Jack Wilson will bat eighth and third baseman Kyle Seager hits ninth to round out the order for the M's.
Here are the complete lineups for Sunday's rubber match.
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Kevin Youkilis, 3B
David Ortiz, DH
Jed Lowrie, SS
Carl Crawford, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Darnell McDonald, RF
Mariners
Ichiro Suzuki, RF
Franklin Gutierrez, CF
Dustin Ackley, 2B
Mike Carp, 1B
Wily Mo Pena, DH
Miguel Olivo, C
Casper Wells, LF
Jack Wilson, SS
Kyle Seager, 3B
