Jacoby Ellsbury has some good numbers against Detroit Tigers ace and Cy Young favorite Max Scherzer. However, when Scherzer takes the Fenway Park mound Tuesday night, the first batter he sees will not be Ellsbury.
Instead, Shane Victorino will lead off for the Red Sox in the second game of a three-game set with the Central-leading Tigers. As of Tuesday afternoon, it’s unclear why Ellsbury would sit against Scherzer, but it doesn’t seem like an ideal day for a night off. Ellsbury is 5-for-9 in his career against Scherzer, pretty good numbers against one of the game’s top right-handers.
Daniel Nava, who will get the start in right field with Victorino shifting to center field, will also move up in the lineup to take the No. 2 spot Victorino had recently held.
Detroit, meanwhile, will return MVP front-runner Miguel Cabrera, who has missed the last three games with soreness in his abdomen.
Here’s are the starting lineups for both teams.
Boston Red Sox (82-57)
Shane Victorino, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Carp, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
David Ross, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jon Lester, P
Detroit Tigers (81-57)
Austin Jackson, CF
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 3B
Prince Fielder, 1B
Victor Martinez
Omar Infante, 2B
Matt Tuiasosopo, LF
Brayan Pena, C
Jose Iglesias, SS
Max Scherzer, P
