After losing the first two games of their four-game set against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, the Red Sox finally broke through on Saturday night behind a terrific bullpen effort, winning 5-3. On Sunday afternoon, Boston sends John Lackey to the mound to try and split the series.
Saturday marked the return of Will Middlebrooks to the Red Sox and the starting lineup, and the young third baseman did not disappoint. Middlebooks knocked two singles in his return, and as a reward he starts for a second straight game at the hot corner.
Beyond that, Mike Napoli drops down to the sixth spot in the batting order, with Daniel Nava hitting fifth in left field. Backup Ryan Lavarnway gets the start behind the plate.
To counter Lackey, the Royals send ace James Shields to the mound.
Check out the starting lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (71-48)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Daniel Nava, LF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Stephen Drew, SS
Ryan Lavarnway, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
John Lackey, RHP
Kansas City Royals (60-54)
David Lough, RF
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Billy Butler, DH
Alex Gordon, LF
Salvador Perez, C
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Alcides Escobar, SS
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Elliot Johnson, 2B
James Shields, RHP
