Red Sox vs. Rangers lineups: Shane Victorino scratched against Wandy Rodriguez

The southpaw scourge has returned in the form of Wandy Rodriguez, leaving the red-hot Shane Victorino to start in right field as the Sox try to take the rubber match in Fenway Park.

Update: So much for that. Shane is scratched with "general soreness"

After a couple of games where the Red Sox' hit production vastly outpaced their actual runs scored, there's some reason to think that this offense may be headed in the right direction, even if the scoreboard isn't reflecting that just yet.

But it could all be a matter of the pitchers they've faced on the mound. In particular, the fact that they've faced some righties rather than lefties like Wandy Rodriguez. Does that make sense? Not really, given that they've got so many right-handed hitters--particularly those who are supposed to crush lefties--in the lineup. But maybe having a suddenly productive Shane Victorino and perhaps revitalized Mike Napoli will change that?

Time will tell. Much as it will tell if Clay Buchholz is still feeling whatever it was that produced his eight exceptional innings against Seattle. It's a strange place the Red Sox find themselves in. There's good signs all around. They just can't seem to turn those positive signs into positive results.

First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.

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