Young gets first start of season at short

BOSTON -- Michael Young made his first start of the season at shortstop on Monday, while Elvis Andrus was given the day off to rest his sore shoulder. Alberto Gonzalez normally plays shortstop when Andrus is out of the lineup, but manager Ron Washington put Young there on Monday.

Washington said he did so because he wanted to use Geovany Soto at designated hitter. Soto is going to start at catcher on Tuesday, but Washington wanted to give Soto at-bats at Fenway Park leading up to that start.

Washington said going with Young had nothing to do with the critical error that Gonzalez made in the 10th inning in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Royals.

"I don't use that type of stuff with my players, because I know Alberto can play," Washington said.

Young has played just one game at shortstop since winning a Gold Glove at the position in 2008. The 35-year-old started a game at short late last season just in case he had to play there in the playoffs. He has not had any work at shortstop this season.

"All my work has been at third, second or first," Young said. "I'll just go out there during batting practice, readjust my eyes to the angles and be ready to go. Hopefully, Elvis will get back as soon as possible. It should be fun. I always enjoy playing shortstop."

Andrus banged his shoulder sliding head-first into home plate in the seventh inning on Sunday. He said it was a little sore, but he should be in the lineup on Tuesday.