Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine is getting the chance to be creative with his lineup card as the season winds down.
With David Ortiz unlikely to return anytime soon and the roster comparatively thin thanks to minor league call-ups, Valentine has been trying players in different spots and looking for a winning combination. The last week or so of experimenting hasn't had much to show, with Boston struggling through a 1-8 road trip and then dropping its first two rain-soaked games at home to Toronto.
But Sunday appears to be bright and sunny, and the Sox have the firepower to steal a win in the series finale.
Leading the way in the batting order will be Ryan Kalish, who gets the nod in right field. Scott Podsednik, who continues to give Boston some needed help from the batter's box (.329 average this season), continues to man left.
James Loney will get to try his hand from the cleanup spot today, and Jacoby Ellsbury has been sent to the No. 6 hole.
On the mound for the Red Sox will be Clay Buchholz (11-5, 4.47 ERA), who has been dominant at times for Boston this season. He beat the Blue Jays in their only other previous meeting this year, going eight innings and allowing just two earned runs.
Carlos Villanueva (7-5, 3.42) will pitch for the Jays. He also got a W when he last faced Boston, a July 21 victory in which he allowed three earned runs.
Here are the lineups for Sunday afternoon:
Red Sox (63-77)
Ryan Kalish, RF
Scott Podsednik, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
James Loney, 1B
Cody Ross, DH
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Mike Aviles, SS
Ryan Lavarnway, C
Pedro Ciriaco, 3B
Clay Buchholz, P
Blue Jays (63-75)
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Colby Rasmus, CF
Edwin Encarnacion, DH
Adam Lind, 1B
Rajai Davis, LF
Anthony Gose, RF
Jeff Mathis, C
Omar Vizquel, 2B
Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
Carlos Villanueva, P
