Lineups

Tim Wakefield will make an important start for the Red Sox. Not only are they trying to snap a three-game losing streak, but they also need to preserve a worn bullpen. "We need to get some innings out of Wake for sure," manager Terry Francona said. "We don't need to get in there real early."

J.D. Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury are both getting another start against a lefthanded pitcher because Rocco Baldelli is experiencing some soreness in his legs after he dove for a ball playing centerfield Monday night.

And the rest:

Red Sox
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Nick Green, SS
9. George Kottaras, C
-- Tim Wakefield, SP

Athletics
1. Ryan Sweeney, CF
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Jack Cust, DH
4. Matt Holliday, LF
5. Mark Ellis, 2B
6. Travis Buck, RF
7. Kurt Suzuki, C
8. Bobby Crosby, 3B
9. Landon Powell, 1B
-- Brett Anderson, SP