Ellsbury's Back in the Lineup

It was announced this afternoon that Jacoby Ellsbury will be returning to the Sox lineup tonight batting leadoff against the Rays. He has been out since April 13 from a shoulder subluxation that wouldn't go away.

Will Middlebrooks is also returning to the lineup, batting 5th; it will be his first game since July 1 when he aggravated his hamstring. This will be the first time that Middlebrooks gets a chance to play with Ellsbury.

As previously noted, the Sox have a tough stretch coming up, so hopefully Jacoby's bat - and legs - will give them an extra push. These upcoming games will still be won or lost by our starting pitching, but getting one of the best players in baseball in 2011 back in the lineup certainly won't hurt.

Other notes: Pedro Ciriaco will be playing 2B and batting 9th. Franklin Morales looks to rebound from his rough start against the Yankees last weekend.