So, it only makes sense that manager Bobby Valentine has lined them up in the first two spots in the batting order as the Red Sox face the Blue Jays in the second contest of their three-game series at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday.
With Dustin Pedroia still battling discomfort and inflammation in his thumb, Nava and Aviles will be packing the punch for the top of the order. Behind them are the usual suspects: Adrian Gonzalez, making another appearance in right field, then David Ortiz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kevin Youkilis.
Ryan Sweeney will take care of center field duties, and Nick Punto is batting in the No. 9 hole and playing second in Pedroia's place.
The Red Sox send Felix Doubront (5-2. 3.86 ERA) to the mound on Saturday as the young lefty looks to continue what has been a great start to his season. He'll be pitching opposite Kyle Drabek (4-5, 4.55), who held the Sox to just one run the last time they faced off, on April 10.
Here are Saturday's complete lineups.
Red Sox (27-25)
Daniel Nava LF
Mike Aviles SS
Adrian Gonzalez RF
David Ortiz DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Ryan Sweeney CF
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Nick Punto 2B
Felix Doubront P
Blue Jays (27-25)
Kelly Johnson 2B
Yunel Escobar SS
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Colby Rasmus CF
Brett Lawrie 3B
Rajai Davis LF
David Cooper DH
Jeff Mathis C
Kyle Drabek P
