clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Friday Red Sox Lineup: More Will Middlebrooks

By Ben Buchanan
June 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (64) hits a two run home run to tie the game against the Miami Marlins in the eight inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE
June 21, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (64) hits a two run home run to tie the game against the Miami Marlins in the eight inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

After last night's game, Bobby Valentine was asked how he could keep Will Middlebrooks out of the lineup given his recent performances.

The answer: he can't.

In a rare show of stability, the Red Sox will field the exact same lineup on Friday as they did on Thursday, right down to Will Middlebrooks batting seventh and playing third base. It's a well-earned start given that in his last eight at bats he's grabbed six hits, including a huge equalizing two-run shot against the Marlins yesterday.

What's amazing is that, some 70 games into the season, we're looking at a lineup with Daniel Nava leading off, Cody Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Wiill Middlebrooks, and Ryan Kalish hitting 5-6-7-8, and it's the placement of Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez at 2-3 that raises eyebrows. What an odd year it's been.

Lineup

BOSTON RED SOX ATLANTA BRAVES
Daniel Nava, LF Michael Bourn, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B Martin Prado, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B Brian McCann, C
David Ortiz, DH Dan Uggla, 2B
Cody Ross, RF Freddie Freeman, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C Chipper Jones, DH
Will Middlebrooks, 3B Jason Heyward, RF
Ryan Kalish, CF Matt Diaz, LF
Mike Aviles, SS Andrelton Simmons, SS

More From Over the Monster