That’s not exactly a bad thing, as second baseman Dustin Pedroia returns to the lineup, and in the process, may ease some concerns about a nagging thumb injury.
Pedroia didn’t play on Wednesday night, one night after leaving the game early. The second baseman has been battling a right thumb injury, but he’s back in there for the finale with the Fish.
Miami will send longtime Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano to the hill. Adrian Gonzalez has the most experience facing Zambrano from the first baseman’s National League days, but he has just four hits in 18 at-bats against Zambrano.
Gonzalez will look to break out of an ongoing slump, as he’s just 4-for-32 in his last 10 games.
Will Middlebrooks returns to the lineup as well on Thursday night. After entering the game as a pinch-runner on Wednesday night, Middlebrooks later homered in the Sox’ 15-5 rout of Miami. The rookie is 4-for-8 in his last four games.
Red Sox
Daniel Nava, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Cody Ross, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Ryan Kalish, CF
Mike Aviles, SS
Daisuke Matsuzaka, P
Marlins
Jose Reyes, SS
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Giancarlo Stanton, RF
Logan Morrison, LF
Greg Dobbs, 3B
Omare Infante, 2B
Scott Cousins, CF
Gaby Sanchez, 1B
Brett Hayes, CF
Carlos Zambrano, P
