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Red Sox vs. Yankees lineups: Allen Craig starts in (Fenway's) right field

The Red Sox will have a rough defensive outfield Friday night behind Justin Masterson, who probably could use all the help he can get against a lineup of exclusively left-handed hitters.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox will have Allen Criag in right field and oh God, Justin Masterson, just keep the ball on the ground. You have to keep the ball on the ground or all is lost!

Boston Red Sox (12-10)

  1. Mookie Betts, CF
  2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
  3. David Ortiz, DH
  4. Hanley Ramirez, LF
  5. Mike Napoli, 1B
  6. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
  7. Allen Craig, RF
  8. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  9. Ryan Hanigan, C

Starting Pitcher -- Justin Masterson

New York Yankees (13-9)

  1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
  2. Brett Gardner, LF
  3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
  4. Brian McCann, C
  5. Carlos Beltran, RF
  6. Chase Headley, 3B
  7. Garrett Jones, DH
  8. Stephen Drew, 2B
  9. Didi Gregorius, SS
Starting Pitcher -- CC Sabathia

The theory here is sound, at least in terms of offense. John Farrell goes with the right-handed Allen Craig over the left-handed Brock Holt in right field against southpaw CC Sabathia. Yes, Holt is hitting, Craig is not, but that will remain true so long as Craig is sitting on the bench even against left-handed pitchers.

But oh boy is he not cut out to play right field in Fenway. Not even close. There are some small right fields out there where he could be hidden away, if not quite as well as he would be in front of the Monster, but Fenway's is on the complete other side of the spectrum. If ever there was a game for Justin Masterson to keep the ball on the ground like he usually does, this is it. Another start like his last would do just fine, but it's going to be a tall order against a New York lineup with plenty of lefties.

And by plenty, I mean exclusively. That's nine guys who will step in batting left-handed against Justin Masterson, who has allowed opposing lefties to hit .287/.366/.427 over the course of his career. This...might not be fun.

First pitch is at 710 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN, WEEI, and the MLB Network.