Red Sox Lineup 6/15/12: Will Middlebrooks Misses Out

Another day in the National League, another lineup with an infielder missing. Today, it's Will Middlebrooks riding the pine, even with Adrian Gonzalez in the outfield.

Even in last game's 10-run outburst, Will Middlebrooks wasn't able to produce at the plate. In fact, in the midst of a 2-for-18 slump, the third baseman's numbers now look downright pedestrian after his hot start. And while Kevin Youkilis' numbers look even worse, he's the one the Sox need to improve over the next month if they have any hope of getting something back in a trade.

Up against a right-hander in Ryan Dempster, the Sox will have their own Ryan--Sweeney, of course--in center field, with Scott Podsednik in left.

As for the Cubs, well, it's about what you expect from a team at 21-42.