Cody Ross Takes Over DH Spot as Pedro Ciriaco Moves Back Onto Field

by abournenesn

Jul 21, 2012

Cody Ross Takes Over DH Spot as Pedro Ciriaco Moves Back Onto FieldRed Sox manager Bobby Valentine said that it wouldn't be just one man who would fill the roll of designated hitter in the wake of David Ortiz' heel injury, and he's been exactly right thus far.

Daniel Nava was the first to get a crack at the DH role on Tuesday, and Pedro Ciriaco filled in there the past two games, but the red-hot Cody Ross is penciled in there tonight. Aside from that, the lineup is taking to the status quo insofar as that status quo has Dustin Pedroia settling into the No. 3 spot in the order as Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford keep their speed atop the lineup.

Ciriaco returns to the field, slightly out of position at shortstop as Mike Aviles gets the night off. Finally, Jarrod Saltalamacchia gets the start behind the plate amidst his struggles after a string of starts by Kelly Shoppach.

Either way, any lineup that gets to feature Will Middlebrooks batting seventh is scary deep. And to think, this is a lineup that's actually missing its most productive hitter on the season.

On the mound, Aaron Cook looks to keep rolling right along, and Saturday he opposes Blue Jays' right-hander Carlos Villanueva.

Boston Red Sox

Daniel Nava, RF
Carl Crawford, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Cody Ross, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Ryan Sweeney, CF
Pedro Ciriaco, SS

Aaron Cook, RHP

Toronto Blue Jays

Anthony Gose, RF
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Colby Rasmus, CF
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
Adam Lind, DH
J.P. Arencibia, C
Kelly Johnson, 2B
Yunel Escobar, SS
Travis Snider, LF

Carlos Villanueva, RHP

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