Gonzalez In Right As Red Sox Open 3-Game Set At Wrigley
BOSTON (CBS) - While the Red Sox don't play at Wrigley Field that often, Adrian Gonzalez will have the chance to get a good look at the famous ivy wall Friday afternoon.
Gonzalez will bat third and play right field for Boston in Friday's series opener with the Cubs, the 16th time the first baseman has shifted to right this season. He has two errors in 20 chances in his previous 15 games in right, also recording an assist.
Read: Red Sox-Cubs Preview
It has been a rough year for Gonzalez at the plate, batting just .267 with five home runs, and in 28 games batting third Gonzalez is hitting just .263. Three of his five long balls have come out of the three-spot in the order.
With Gonzalez in the outfield, that makes room for David Ortiz to play first. When the Red Sox visited Wrigley in 2005, Ortiz was 2-for-9 in the two games he played, with both of those hits home runs. Kevin Youkilis will bat fifth and play third.
Gallery: Red Sox Visit Wrigley In 2005
Scott Podsednik will lead things off for Boston, who is hitting .364 (12-for-33) in the one-slot.
Here is the full Red Sox lineup for Friday against the Cubs:
1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, RF
4. David Ortiz, 1B
5. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
7. Ryan Sweeney, CF
8. Mike Aviles, SS
9. Daisuke Matsuzaka,P
Matsuzaka will make his second start for the Red Sox after returning from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander pitched well his first time out, striking out eight while allowing four runs in five innings in a 4-2 loss to the Nationals.
Read: Bard K's 4 Over 2 Scoreless Innings For PawSox
Cubs starter Ryan Dempster is currently on a roll, and will look to extend his 15 inning scoreless streak when he takes the mound. But the 35-year-old Dempster has not fared well against the Red Sox, allowing 14 runs in 17.2 career innings against them.
