Red Sox Nation can breathe a little easier today knowing that it doesn't appear Will Middlebrooks' injury is too serious. The young third baseman will be back in the lineup batting fifth behind Adrian Gonzalez as the Red Sox try to take the rubber game in their three-game set against Kansas City.
Jon Lester will take the mound for the Sox looking for his second win of the year while the Royals counter with Bruce Chen, who is winless on the season. The Sox have lost six of their last seven, but hopefully Lester can play stopper for them. He has allowed one run or less in each of his last five starts against Kansas City, which is tied for the longest such streak ever against the Royals franchise.
Red Sox (12-17)
Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Cody Ross, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Marlon Byrd, CF
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Jon Lester, P
Royals (10-19)
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Alex Gordon, LF
Billy Butler, 1B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Johnny Giavotella, DH
Brayan Pena, C
Irving Falu, 3B
Chris Getz, 2B
Alcides Escobar, SS
Bruce Chen, P
