Bobby Valentine has been experimenting with all sorts of lineup combinations this season, but nothing seems to stick for more than a little while. The most recent experiment was toying with Ryan Sweeney at the top, but after another 0-for-3 performance on Wednesday night the right fielder is a dismal .172 with five hits and five strikeouts from the leadoff spot.
Mike Aviles appears primed for a return to the top of the order on Thursday night against Matt Moore (1-3, 5.31) in Tampa Bay. Aviles’ underwhelming .299 on-base percentage forced him further down in the order as of late, but a .274 average along with five home runs and 16 RBIs in the leadoff hole seems to solidify his billing more than other potential candidates.
Felix Doubront (3-1, 4.46) takes the hill for the Red Sox, as Boston seeks to get back to their winning ways following a tough 2-1 loss to the Rays on Wednesday.
Take a look at the starting lineups for both teams, below.
Red Sox
Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Cody Ross, RF
Daniel Nava, LF
Marlon Byrd, CF
Kelly Shoppach, C
Felix Doubront, P
Rays
Ben Zobrist, RF
B.J. Upton, CF
Luke Scott, DH
Jeff Keppinger, 2B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Sean Rodriguez, 3B
Elliot Johnson, SS
Chris Gimenez, C
Rich Thompson, LF
Matt Moore, P
