Red Sox vs. Twins lineups: Red Sox go right-handed against Scott Diamond

The Red Sox will stack their lineup with right-handed hitters as they take on the Minnesota Twins and their southpaw Scott Diamond.

Boston Red Sox (21-11)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Mike Napoli, 1B
6. Jonny Gomes, LF
7. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
8. Stephen Drew, SS
9. David Ross, C

Starting Pitcher -- Ryan Dempster

Minnesota Twins (13-15)

1. Jamey Carroll, SS
2. Joe Mauer, DH
3. Josh Willingham, LF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
6. Ryan Doumit, C
7. Chris Parmelee, RF
8. Wilkin Ramirez, CF
9. Brian Dozier, 2B

Starting Pitcher -- Scott Diamond

It's a pretty typical starting nine for the Sox against a left-handed pitcher, with Jonny Gomes and David Ross subbing in for Daniel Nava and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. As for the left-hander in question, Diamond is arguably the epitome of the Twins' junkballing strategy, letting opponents put the ball in play often and, so far in his career, getting away with it. He's not a guy who's going to beat himself.

Given the way the Red Sox offense has been hitting lately, that might not seem like a good sign, but last night's performance might tip that the other way. While the Sox didn't exactly pile on the runs against Vance Worley, they did manage to get the long ball going. Against a guy like Diamond, that can be a major part of the puzzle for getting out of Fenway with a win.

Most of all, though, the Sox will need a nice long night from Ryan Dempster. As per usual, the bullpen could use the rest.

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