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No Manny tonight

Manny Ramirez was in and then out of the Red Sox starting lineup this afternoon. Manager Terry Francona said Ramirez expressed some "hesitancy" after the pair had a talk earlier today about whether or not the left fielder felt ready to start tonight's game. Francona added that they are shooting for him to be in the lineup on Friday, though even that is not assured.

Meanwhile, Matt Clement had exploratory surgery today with Dr. James Andrews. The team is hoping the surgery will determine the source of Clement's troubles throughout the season.

Coco Crisp's surgery went "terrific," Francona said. A pin was inserted into his left index finger to stabilize it. It has not yet been decided whether or not the pin will be permanent.

Also, two members of this weekend's rotation are set. Julian Tavarez will start on Friday, with Tim Wakefield coming back on Saturday. Francona will speak with Curt Schilling after his start tonight to determine if he will be the starter in the season's last game, on Sunday. Otherwise, Devern Hansack and Kason Gabbard might be possibilities.

And, with that, the lineup...

Red Sox
1. Kevin Youkilis, LF
2. Mark Loretta, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Trot Nixon, RF
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Wily Mo Pena, CF
8. Eric Hinske, 1B
9. Alex Gonzalez, SS

SP Curt Schilling

(The Tampa Bay lineup was not posted when we left the clubhouse this afternoon.)