Jacoby Ellsbury Scratched From Red Sox Lineup, Jarrod Saltalamacchia Returns From Ear Infection

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Aug 4, 2012

Jacoby Ellsbury Scratched From Red Sox Lineup, Jarrod Saltalamacchia Returns From Ear InfectionJarrod Saltalamacchia wasn't at Fenway Park on Friday night because of an ear infection. He's not only back at Fenway on Saturday, but he'll be plugged into Bobby Valentine's starting lineup as the DH.

Saltalamacchia will bat sixth against Twins rookie Cole De Vries. He'll be sandwiched between Cody Ross and Mike Aviles, who gets his second straight start at shortstop.

Jacoby Ellsbury was initially expected to assume his usual role atop the lineup, but he's since been scratched. Ryan Kalish will now get the start in center field and serve as the Red Sox' leadoff hitter.

Nick Punto will get a rare start as well on Saturday, filling in for the struggling Will Middlebrooks at third base. It's the first time Punto will see game action since July 22.

Both of Boston's catchers will again be in the Boston lineup, as Kelly Shoppach will be Clay Buchholz's battery mate for the evening. Buchholz is 5-1 with a 2.44 ERA over his last 9 starts, which is a welcomed sign for Red Sox fans after the righty's early-season struggles.

Check out the rest of Saturday's lineups below.

Red Sox
Ryan Kalish, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Cody Ross, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, DH
Mike Aviles, SS
Kelly Shoppach, C
Nick Punto, 3B

Clay Buchholz, RHP

Twins
Denard Span, CF
Ben Revere, RF
Joe Mauer, 1B
Justin Morneau, DH
Ryan Doumit, C
Darin Mastroianni, LF
Brian Dozier, SS
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Jamey Carroll, 3B

Cole De Vries, RHP

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