In the second of three games between the Red Sox and Nationals, Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery and the disabled list.
Matsuzaka, who had the surgery just one year ago, was working his way back through the minors when other injuries flared up. He's since been deemed healthy — and just in time. With Daniel Bard losing grip on what was once a bright debut to a starting career, the Sox need someone to take care of their final rotation spot.
Matsuzaka will certainly have challenges in his first game back, but he's looked sharp at times in the minors. He also has a lineup behind him that's been clicking.
Daniel Nava is back in the leadoff hole, and Adrian Gonzalez is in his usual spot in the batting order, if not on the field. He'll play right field Saturday as Kevin Youkilis takes first and Will Middlebrooks starts at third.
Darnell McDonald has been tagged for the final outfield spot, and Kelly Shoppach will catch Matsuzaka in his return.
The Nationals send one of their best to the mound Saturday in Gio Gonzalez (7-2, 2.31 ERA). His last start, however, was his worst of the season since Opening Day. He was tagged for seven hits and three earned runs over 4 2/3 innings. That broke a five-game win streak for him, and the Sox have to be hoping they'll see the more recent side of Gonzalez on Saturday afternoon.
Here are the complete lineups.
Red Sox (29-29)
Daniel Nava LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez RF
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Mike Aviles SS
Darnell McDonald CF
Kelly Shoppach C
Matsuzaka P
Nationals (33-23)
Steve Lombardozzi LF
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam LaRoche 1B
Michael Morse DH
Ian Desmond SS
Danny Espinosa 2B
Rick Ankiel CF
Jesus Flores C
Gio Gonzalez P
