For the first time in 20 days, Jacoby Ellsbury is back in the Red Sox lineup.
After being sidelined since Sept. 5 with a navicular bone fracture in his right foot, Ellsbury will return to the Sox in his normal spots, hitting leadoff and starting in center field. While Dustin Pedroia took over the bulk of Ellsbury’s duties offensively, the Red Sox’ leadoff spot combined for a .313 batting average during the center fielder’s absence.
Boston was less than dominant on the mound in Tuesday’s loss to the Rockies, but Jake Peavy will take the mound on Wednesday hoping to get things back on track as the Red Sox continue their hunt for the best record in the American League. The Sox kept a one-game lead over the A’s for that title, with Oakland falling to the Angels on Tuesday.
Peavy will be tasked with facing Todd Helton, who will be making his final appearance at Coors Field on Wednesday night. The first basemen has spent his entire 19-year career with the Rockies, and he holds virtually every offensive record for the Colorado club.
Check out the complete lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (95-63)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jake Peavy, RHP
Colorado Rockies (72-86)
Charlie Blackmon, CF
Josh Rutledge, 2B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Todd Helton, 1B
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Corey Dickerson, LF
Yorvit Torrealba C
Jhoulys Chacin,RHP
