In a surprise move, the Red Sox today activated center fielder Coco Crisp a day before he was expected to come off the disabled list. Crisp is in the starting lineup for today’s 2 p.m. series finale against the Devil Rays and is batting leadoff.

Crisp has been out since April 9 with a fracture at the base of his left index finger, and went 1 for 3 with a couple of RBIs and a walk in a rehab stint with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. The center fielder had been slated for another rehab outing in Pawtucket, but was activated a day early.

Because of injuries to Manny Ramirez (sore back) and Wily Mo Pena (a late scratch yesterday with a sore wrist), Kevin Youkilis had to make his first start in left field last night.

To make room for Crisp on the roster, the Red Sox sent Wily Mo Pena to the disabled list, according to Boston radio station WEEI.