Even with all the struggles Will Middlebrooks has endured during the 2013 campaign, after such a great rookie year it’s still a bit weird to hear the news that the Red Sox’ presumed third baseman of the future has been sent down to Triple-A. So while the Red Sox try to set up their struggling sophomore with some regular at-bats in Pawtucket, that means another “of the future” takes over at third base. With Stephen Drew seemingly entrenched at shortstop (at least through this season), Jose Iglesias gets to try his hand in a regular role at the hot corner.
Aside from that, the Red Sox throw out a normal-looking lineup Tuesday, with Shane Victorino in the No. 2 slot and Daniel Nava in left field hitting sixth. Ryan Dempster, who’s pitched better than his 4-8 record indicates, gets the start for Boston.
For the Rockies, it’s a pleasant surprise to see Todd Helton not only still hanging around the big leagues, but still starting at first base for Colorado. The team is still missing star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to a rib injury, but Carlos Gonzalez has legitimate MVP numbers, with a .992 OPS and 21 home runs on the season.
Also starting for the Rockies on Tuesday is Corey Dickerson, who was just called up to the big leagues over the weekend. Dickerson’s an interesting case: scouts have always been low on the 2010 eighth-rounder because of a supposed hitch in his swing, but after owning college ball, all Dickerson’s done in the professional ranks is earn a .984 OPS in just over 1600 minor league at-bats.
Check out the lineups for both teams below.
Colorado Rockies (39-38)
Dexter Fowler, CF
D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
Carlos Gonzalez, LF
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Todd Helton, 1B
Wilin Rosario, C
Corey Dickerson, DH
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Juan Nicasio, RHP
Boston Red Sox (45-33)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia ,2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Jose Iglesias, 3B
Ryan Dempster, RHP
