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Red Sox vs. Dodgers: Boston's best foot nowhere to be found

Ugh

By Ben Buchanan
Harry How

The Red Sox still can't seem to get on a roll, and looking at the lineup they'll put on the field today, signs aren't good that that's going to happen just yet.

Boston Red Sox (75-55)

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

Los Angeles Dodgers (76-52)

TBA

So, on the one hand, there's no Xander Bogaerts against the lefty. On the other hand, if John Farrell is only going to start him once this series, Chris Capuano is the man to target, not Hyu-Jin Ryu. With his dominant changeup, Ryu actually has reverse splits in his debut year, whereas Capuano has allowed a .371 wOBA to right-handed hitters.

Of course, given that, you might rather have Ortiz playing today than tomorrow. Having Mike Napoli batting fourth is always going to be concerning, but if he has to be there certainly it'd be better to have him up against Capuano than Ryu. There, however, it's likely more a matter of David Ortiz' comfort level with playing the field two days straight making the decision above actual in-game strategy.

Whatever the reasons, though, what we're ultimately left with is an order that does not inspire the greatest of confidence, particularly after what happened last night. And with the Rays once again ahead on percentage points, it's an unfortunate time for the Red Sox to be putting their worst foot forward.

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