Lineup breakdown: Rays-Red Sox, Game 4
ST. PETERSBURG -- A look at Tuesday's starting lineups for Game 4 of the American League Division Series between the Red Sox and Rays:
RED SOX
Manager John Farrell is sticking with his Game 3 lineup behind right-hander Jake Peavy, who has gone 5-0 in six starts this season on six or more days of rest.
Leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury leads all players with at least five at-bats this postseason with a .571 (8-for-14) average, having recorded multiple hits in each of Boston's three ALDS games -- tied for the longest multihit streak by a Red Sox to begin a postseason (Johnny Damon in 2004 and Marty Barrett in 1986). He's also tied for the postseason lead with six runs scored.
A couple of Red Sox have proven to be especially effective against Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson. The most notable of that group is David Ortiz, who has hit .375/.516/.875 with three homers and seven walks in 31 career plate appearances against Hellickson. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia has also hit well off Hellickson, with six of his eight career hits going for extra bases and a career .320/.433/.800 batting line.
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Shane Victorino, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Mike Napoli, 1B
6. Daniel Nava, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Stephen Drew, SS
9. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
RAYS
While the Red Sox stood pat, Rays manager Joe Maddon made several moves in his Game 4 starting lineup behind Hellickson. But one interesting thing that's staying the same: Wil Myers, who exited early Monday night due to cramps in both legs, is back in the second spot in the order and playing right field.
Maddon also opted to go with Kelly Johnson as Tampa Bay's designated hitter, pointing to Matt Joyce's struggles and Delmon Young not being a good matchup for Peavy. He also chose to start Jose Lobaton, Game 3's walk-off hero, at catcher on Tuesday night.
First baseman James Loney, batting third, has hit Peavy well in his career, posting a .323/.344/.677 batting line in 32 plate appearances. Ben Zobrist has also had some success facing Peavy, going 4-for-13 with two doubles, a homer and a walk in 15 plate appearances.
1. David DeJesus, LF
2. Wil Myers, RF
3. James Loney, 1B
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Ben Zobrist, 2B
6. Desmond Jennings, CF
7. Kelly Johnson, DH
8. Yunel Escobar, SS
9. Jose Lobaton, C