Kevin Youkilis will be out of the Red Sox lineup on Monday, although manager Bobby Valentine noted that it had nothing to do with the controversy that's suddenly swirling around the two.
Youkilis is battling a sore groin and has been scratched in favor of Nick Punto. Valentine said before the game that, according to the training staff, Youkilis may have been able to give it a go on Monday had the game been played at night. But with the early, 11 a.m. start, the veteran third baseman will sit out to begin the game, although the Boston skipper said Youkilis could be available to pinch-hit if necessary.
The hot-hitting Mike Aviles will once again be atop the Boston order, while Darnell McDonald, Cody Ross and Ryan Sweeney will man the Boston outfield from left to right.
Daniel Bard takes the ball for Boston, while "Big Game" James Shields gets the nod for Tampa Bay at Fenway Park, where he's struggled throughout his career.
Check out the complete lineups below.
Red Sox
Mike Aviles, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
David Ortiz, DH
Cody Ross, CF
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Nick Punto, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Darnell McDonald, LF
Daniel Bard, P
Rays
Desmond Jennings, CF
Carlos Pena, 1B
Evan Longoria, 3B
Luke Scott, DH
Ben Zobrist, RF
Matt Joyce, LF
Jeff Keppinger, 2B
Jose Molina, C
Sean Rodriguez, SS
James Shields, P
