Third baseman Mike Lowell, the Red Sox’ MVP in 2007, returns to the starting lineup tonight after being activated from the 15-day disabled list, where he had been with a sprained left thumb. The Red Sox designated reliever Bryan Corey for assignment to make room for Lowell on the active roster.
Although Lowell is back in the lineup tonight, the Red Sox still aren't putting what could be termed their best everyday lineup on the field because Coco Crisp is starting in center field instead of rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox have not played their arguably best nine players since April 9, the day Lowell sprained his thumb. That was 18 games ago.
Tonight’s starting lineup against the Blue Jays: Crisp, cf; Pedroia, 2b; Ortiz, dh; Ramirez, lf; Youkilis, 1b; Lowell, 3b; Drew, rf; Varitek, c; Lugo, ss; Lester, p.
The Blue Jays lineup: Rios, rf; Eckstein, ss; Rolen, 3b; Wells, cf; Hill, 2b; Overbay, 1b; Stewart, dh; Lind, lf; Zaun, c; Halladay, p.
The Red Sox did not collect an extra-base hit in either of their last two losses in Tampa Bay. The last time the Sox went consecutive games without an extra-base hit was June 18-19, 2003, in Chicago against the White Sox.
Manny Ramirez leads the AL in batting (.347), total bases (63), extra-base hits (16), and slugging percentage (.643). Ramirez’ 54 homers and 140 RBI are the most all-time by an opposing player against the Blue Jays.
Roy Halladay, the Blue Jays’ ace who is starting tonight, is only 10-10 with a 4.81 during his career against the Red Sox. Jon Lester is facing the Blue Jays for the first time in his career.
The Jays have beaten the Red Sox seven straight times dating back to last September, including a three-game sweep in Toronto earlier this month.