Red Sox vs. Athletics lineups: Shane Victorino returns to the starting nine

He's hurt, and he's limping, but Shane Victorino is toughing it out yet again, getting the start in right field as the Red Sox try to ensure at least a 5-5 split of this long West Coast road trip against the Athletics.

Boston Red Sox (57-37)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Mike Napoli, 1B
6. Daniel Nava, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Jose Iglesias, SS
9. Brock Holt, 3B

Starting Pitcher -- John Lackey

Oakland Athletics (54-38)

1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. John Jaso, C
3. Josh Donaldson, 3B
4. Jed Lowrie, SS
5. Yoenis Cespedes, LF
6. Brandon Moss, 1B
7. Josh Reddick, RF
8. Seth Smith, DH
9. Eric Sogard, 2B

Starting Pitcher -- Jarrod Parker

It may not seem like it, but this is a pretty big game tonight, at least for those who put stock in things like series. The Red Sox don't have the best outlook in this set against the Athletics, with Jon Lester and God only knows who starting on Saturday and Sunday respectively. That leaves John Lackey vs. Jarrod Parker tonight as the best chance for a win.

Their best chance, though, is pretty good. John Lackey has been in lockdown mode all year long, and if Parker has been fine--particularly of late, where he's been on a Dempster-like streak of quality starts--he's not been quite as stingy as Lackey. It's certainly no guarantee, but the Sox are likely favored, at least.

Assuming you don't take into account that this is a West Coast game where things often go wrong.

Read more Red Sox:

• What to expect from Red Sox prospect Brandon Workman
• It's time for change in the Red Sox rotation
• MLB Trade Deadline: How can the Red Sox fix their bullpen?
• Should the Red Sox sign Jarrod Saltalamacchia to an extension?
• The sustainable side of Jose Iglesias’ success at the plate