By MaureenMullen
CSNNE.com
DETROITThe Red Sox are scheduled to play their first doubleheader of the season -- weather permitting. Their last split doubleheader was Oct. 2, 2010 -- the penultimate day of the season -- against the Yankees, with the teams splitting the twinbill.
Right-hander Clay Buchholz will start the early game for the Sox, with lefty Andy Oliver making his first start of the season for the Tigers. Right-hander Josh Beckett and Justin Verlander will start the second game.
Manager Terry Francona has lineups ready for both games, with the second game in pencil, in case something happens in the first game. Francona plans to play Dustin Pedroia in both games, but will make adjustments, if necessary.
Kevin Youkilis will serve as the designated hitter in the first game. It is the fourth time Youkilis will DH this season. He also served as the DH facing lefties on April 12 against the Rays David Price; April 20, the As Gio Gonzalez; and May 7, the Twins Brian Duensing, (he later moved to third base).
The next step for Marco Scutaro, who has been sidelined since May 8 with a left oblique strain, is to take batting practice on the field. He has been hitting off a tee and in the cage. Before he can progress to the field, though, he needs to be examined by team medical director, Dr. Tom Gill, which will take place Monday, when the Sox return to Fenway.
Bobby Jenks, who has been on the DL since May 2 with a biceps strain, is scheduled to pitch an inning in a rehab assignment for Pawtucket today. He could be activated this week.
Boston Red Sox
Daisuke Matsuzaka is on schedule to visit Dr. Lewis Yokum in Los Angeles on Tuesday to get a second opinion on his right elbow. He is still in Japan, but has been in contact with trainer Mike Reinold. Francona said Matsuzaka is feeling better daily and his range of motion is good. The hope is still that Matsuzaka can get his elbow back to full strength through rehab, avoiding surgery.
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