Mike Carp will bat cleanup Friday night as the Red Sox welcome the Yankees into Fenway Park to finish off their season series.
Boston Red Sox (89-59)
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B
- Shane Victorino, RF
- David Ortiz, DH
- Mike Carp, 1B
- Daniel Nava, LF
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Stephen Drew, SS
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
New York Yankees (79-68)
- Curtis Granderson, CF
- Alex Rodriguez, DH
- Robinson Cano, 2B
- Alfonso Soriano, LF
- Lyle Overbay, 1B
- Eduardo Nunez, 3B
- Ichiro Suzuki, RF
- Brendan Ryan, SS
- Chris Stewart, C
Starting Pitcher -- Hiroki Kuroda
Ah, yes, just another typical lineup for the team with the best record in the American League, featuring a waiver pick-up first baseman from a team that's got a 92 wRC+. Nothing strange about that, right?
Ignoring the whole "improbable reality" thing, though, it's good to see Shane Victorino back. It was nice to see him get the day off yesterday, but his presence tonight is reassurance that there's nothing wrong with him--or at least nothing worse than usual--after his prompt departure from Wednesday's game. There's plenty of guys in the lineup who could stand to get a little more rest in the days to come, but a balance does have to be struck between that, and the considerable positive of beating the Yankees when they most need to win.
Not to mention the whole magic number thing.