Due to loss of Ellsbury, Valentine has to play around with the players a bit. He added utility man Nate Spears and outfielder Jason Repko to the active roster. Repko is actually starting today. Catcher Luis Exposito and right-hander Michael Bowden were designated for assignment as result of Spears and Repko being added. Aviles is the lead-off batter again after going 3-5 yesterday afternoon.
In other news regarding Ellsbury, “The 48-hour period is almost done where the ice will no longer have any effect, I guess, or have any benefit,” manager Bobby Valentine said Sunday morning. “That’s the period we’re waiting to get over, where the swelling is controlled as much as possible. Then I believe there’ll be another evaluation.”
Also Crawford has been doing some batting practice and will be flying to Florida on Monday for some extended spring trainings games in Fort Myers. If you hadn’t already known, Crawford was placed on the DL April 4th for having left wrist surgery. In addition, John Lackey is missing all of the 2012 season because of his Tommy John surgery, the same might be for Daisuke Matsuzaka; however, Dice-K might return after the All-Star break.
Here is today’s lineup vs. the Rays:
Aviles SS
Pedroia 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Youkilis 3B
Ortiz DH
Ross RF
McDonald LF
Shoppach C
Repko CF
Doubront SP
So far nothing’s happening with two innings already finished. Oh yeah and today marks the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day. Players and personnel are sporting the number 42 on their jerseys/apparel.
UPDATE: Cody Ross rips a 3-run home run over the Green Monster, putting the Sox up to 3-0 at the bottom of the second.
I’m glad they signed Cody Ross. I was very impressed with him while watching him play for the San Francisco Giants during the 2010 postseason.
