Jose Iglesias Starts at Third, Will Middlebrooks Sits for Second of Three Games in Tampa

The Jose Iglesias–Will Middlebrooks–Stephen Drew conundrum will be a prominent storyline following the Red Sox over the next few weeks.

Middlebrooks, in his first game back from a rehab stint in Pawtucket, got the start at third base Monday night in Tampa Bay, and he and Drew both struggled at the plate in Boston’s 14-inning win. The two infielders combined to go 2-for-13 with a pair of singles and six strikeouts out of the bottom two slots in the order.

Drew returns at shortstop against the Rays on Tuesday, but Iglesias gets the nod at third. The versatile 23-year-old has done everything asked of him this season, compiling a .446/.494/.581 slash line over two stints with the big league club. If Iglesias continues to produce as he has, manager John Farrell may have no choice but to favor him over his struggling mates on the left side of the infield.

See below for the full starting lineups for both teams.

Boston Red Sox (40-25)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
David Ross, C
Jose Iglesias, 3B

Jon Lester, RHP

Tampa Bay Rays (34-29)
Desmond Jennings, CF
Sean Rodriguez, LF
Ben Zobrist, RF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Yunel Escobar, SS
James Loney, 1B
Ryan Roberts, 2B
Jose Molina, C
Matt Joyce, DH

Roberto Hernandez, RHP