Red Sox Line Up Against Royals 8/19/2011

Coming off of last nights victory over Kansas City the Red Sox are sending lefty Andrew Miller to the mound to make the start. This will be Miller's first start for the Sox since July 31st when the Red Sox inserted Erik Bedard into the line after receiving him via trade. Miller has a 4-1 record over eight starts for the Sox with a 5.40 ERA. Miller is 0-2 against the Royals witha poor 11.08 ERA.

Opposite of Miller is Jeff Francis the lefty for Kansas City. This has not been a very good season for Francis who has a 4-13 in 25 starts with a 4.76 ERA. Francis has had a small sample size against the Sox only pitching five innings against them but has a win.

Lineups:

CF Ellsbury

SS Aviles

1B Gonzalez

2B Pedroia

3B Lowrie

DH Lavarnway

LF Crawford

C Saltalamacchia

RF McDonald

Injury sends Youkilis to DL and Lavarnway get's his shot at the Bigs

Say it ain't so! It looks like injury bug has bit the Red Sox again. The Red Sox have placed Kevin Youkilis on the disabled list with a sore back that has been nagging him off and on for weeks. Also Red Sox DH David Ortiz has injury as well coming before the double header this past Tuesday with a bursitis on his right heel that has him sidelined for up to a week. So with the Sox down two bats in the line up they have went to their minor leagues and pulled up a slugger by the name of Ryan Lavarnway.

Many people had wondered what kind of shot Lavarnway would get being a catcher and with us being set at the position. But as Tito always says a position will open and the way he has been swinging the bat it has. Lavarnway has been called up to play the DH spot for the Sox

A little back story on Lavarnway he was the 2010 Offensive Co-Player of the Year and this season he has just went off. He started the season in double A Portland and was called up to Pawtucket in a hurry playing a combined 55 games for both clubs. During that time he hit .293 with 30 home runs and 85 RBI.

This is Lavarnway's big shot at the majors because if Ortiz injury continues he will be taking the bulk of the at bats for him until his return to the line up. This is also his audition for next year with both Ortiz and Jason Varitek becoming free agents at the end of the season. If something happens with one of these guys and the Sox can't sign them Lavarnway could be an option to feel their shoes.

This is first shot at the big leagues so lets give him a welcome and see how he fits with our program while the injury bug runs its course.