After a tumultuous off-season involving a trade to Texas that wasn’t and the acquisition of his replacement, Adrian Beltre, Mike Lowell has been on edge. After undergoing thumb surgery, Lowell is finally ready to return to live action today against the Baltimore Orioles, but at a less than familiar position.
This off-season, the Red Sox decided to try Mike Lowell out at 1st base, given his decreasing range at 3rd. Lowell has the chance to make his first start at 1st base in over a decade and bat 2nd in today’s lineup. The Sox are hoping to increase Lowell’s trade value by making him a 1st and 3rd baseman and allowing him to prove he is healthy on the field.
On the mound for the Sox will be Tim Wakefield who is looking to continue his dominance this Spring. He will be followed by regulars Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima and potential major leaguer Brian Shouse. The game will be played at City of Palms Park and will begin at 1:05pm.
Today’s Lineups – (lineups courtesy of Boston.com)
Red Sox (8-3)
Mike Cameron CF
Mike Lowell 1B
Victor Martinez C
David Ortiz DH
J.D. Drew RF
Adrian Beltre 3B
Bill Hall SS
Jeremy Hermida LF
Tug Hulett 2B
Pitching: RHP Tim Wakefield followed by LHP Brian Shouse, RHP Jonathan Papelbon and LHP Hideki Okajima.
Orioles (3-8)
John Tucker CF
Justin Turner 3B
Lou Montanez LF
Luke Scott DH
Ty Wigginton 2B
Jeff Salazar RF
Brandon Synder 1B
Craig Tatum C
Pedro Florimon SS
Pitching: RHP Brad Bergesen followed by RHP Chris Tillman.
Add us as a preferred source on Google