Shane Victorino is hurt, he's limping, and he's in center field as the Red Sox aim for still another consecutive series win.
Boston Red Sox (90-59)
- Dustin Pedroia (R) 2B
- Shane Victorino, CF
- David Ortiz, DH
- Mike Napoli, 1B
- Jonny Gomes, LF
- Daniel Nava, RF
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- David Ross, C
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
Starting Pitcher -- Jon Lester
New York Yankees (79-69)
- Curtis Granderson, CF
- Alex Rodriguez, DH
- Robinson Cano, 2B
- Alfonso Soriano, LF
- Mark Reynolds, 3B
- Vernon Wells, RF
- Lyle Overbay, 1B
- Brendan Ryan, SS
- JR Murphy, C
Starting Pitcher -- CC Sabathia
It's hard to know how to feel about the way they're working Shane. On the one hand, he's clearly feeling the effects of the lengthy season--frankly, he has been since a few weeks in, one way or another. But at the same time, even when he ends up limping his way back to the dugout between innings, that doesn't seem to slow him when it comes time to race down a fly ball in the outfield. Probably best not to tempt fate, but at the very least we've yet to see the wear and tear impact his on-field performance.
One thing the Sox will need today is a nice long outing from Jon Lester. Not just for the continued reassurance that he's back to being his old self, but because the bullpen didn't so much enjoy last night's game. Seven or eight innings would be a welcome relief.