Red Sox vs. Rays lineups: Opening Day approaches

Boston Red Sox (7-9)

1. Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
2. David Ross, C
3. Mike Carp, LF
4. Mike Napoli, 1B
5. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
6. Corey Brown, RF
7. Ryan Lavarnway, DH
8. Brock Holt, 2B
9. Jonathan Herrera, SS

Starting Pitcher -- Allen Webster

Tampa Bay Rays (10-4)

1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. James Loney, 1B
5. Yunel Escobar, SS
6. Matt Joyce, RF
7. Wilson Betemit, DH
8. Logan Forsythe, LF
9. Ryan Hanigan, C

Starting Pitcher -- David Price

If there's anything interesting about this lineup, it's Mike Carp getting some time in left field. Carp was mostly used at first base last year, and realistically with both Daniel Nava and Jonny Gomes on the team Carp would see little time in front of the Monster in the event that he's still with the team on Opening Day. But it's certainly good to keep those skills fresh, and it doesn't hurt to advertise said skills, however rudimentary, to potential trade partners.

Other than that...well, it's a sign that we're just two weeks away from real baseball that so many legitimate players are making road trips to get playing time in. Will Middlebrooks was a late addition to the trip, effectively replacing Deven Marrero, so perhaps he in particular is looking to get his at bats in. If nothing else, more practice isn't likely to hurt.

First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. EST, with NESN and WEEI handling broadcast duties.