David Ortiz Out of Lineup As Red Sox Kick Off 2012 Interleague Schedule Against Phillies

The Red Sox kick off their 2012 interleague slate on Friday, and David Ortiz will not be in the starting lineup.

The interleague schedule always provides a set of challenges for the Sox, as they're forced to decide what to do with Ortiz when playing in National League ballparks. We saw Adrian Gonzalez briefly shift to the outfield last year, but he'll remain at first base with Ortiz out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

Gonzalez will bat third and Cody Ross, who's playing right field, will take over the cleanup spot. Daniel Nava (left field) and Marlon Byrd (center field) will patrol the outfield alongside Ross.

It's always been difficult to hold Ortiz out of the lineup when playing in NL parks, but this season, it's particularly difficult given the way the slugger has played in the early going. Ortiz has been Boston's best hitter, batting .345 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs in 38 games.

Daniel Bard will take the ball for the Red Sox, while Cole Hamels goes for the Phillies.

Check out the rest of Friday's lineups below.

Red Sox
Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Cody Ross, RF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Daniel Nava, LF
Marlon Byrd, CF
Daniel Bard, P

Phillies
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Juan Pierre, LF
Shane Victorino, CF
Hunter Pence, RF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Ty Wigginton, 3B
John Mayberry Jr., 1B
Freddy Galvis, 2B
Cole Hamels, P