Kevin Youkilis on Bench, Franklin Morales Starting as Red Sox Look to Keep Heat on Braves

by

Jun 23, 2012

Kevin Youkilis on Bench, Franklin Morales Starting as Red Sox Look to Keep Heat on BravesThe trade rumors have never been thicker around Kevin Youkilis, but there's still baseball to be played Saturday night at Fenway Park.

Youkilis is out of the lineup as reports circulate that the Red Sox are trying to move the veteran infielder as soon as possible, and Will Middlebrooks will start at third while Adrian Gonzalez resumes his usual place at first base.

The infield looks as settled as it's been for a while, with Dustin Pedroia at second base and Mike Aviles returning to shortstop, but those players will be surrounding Franklin Morales as he makes just his second start. Morales is pitching in place of Josh Beckett, who is on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder fatigue.

Morales went five innings against the Cubs and allowed only four hits and two earned runs in his first start. He struck out nine batters, making 60 percent of his outs come via the K.

Morales' counterpart Saturday night will be Randall Delgado, who brings a 4-7 record and 4.12 ERA into his start for the Braves. Delgado went a sparkling eight innings in his last start but fell to the Orioles after allowing two earned runs.

Here are the lineups for Saturday night's game.

Red Sox (36-34)

Daniel Nava LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
David Ortiz DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Will Middlebrooks 3B
Cody Ross RF
Ryan Kalish CF
Mike Aviles SS

Franklin Morales P

Braves (38-32)

Michael Bourn CF
Martin Prado LF
Brian McCann DH
Dan Uggla 2B
Freddie Freeman 1B
Chipper Jones 3B
Jason Heyward RF
David Ross C
Andrelton Simmons SS

Randall Delgado P

Previous Article

Dan Uggla Hopes to Recruit Cody Ross to Braves After Ross Planned to Lure Uggla to Giants

Next Article

Euro 2012 Live Blog: Xabi Alonso Celebrates 100 Caps, Ruins Zinedine Zidane’s Birthday With Two Goals in Spain’s Win Over France

Picked For You