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Drew Moves Up To Third

J.D. Drew, who has batted sixth for the most part this season, has been moved up to the number three spot vacated by the injured David Ortiz.

Drew will bat third tonight and most likely third again tomorrow, switching batting-order spots with Kevin Youkilis, who had batted third in the first two games the Sox played without Ortiz.

Manager Terry Francona said there were a couple of reasons for the switch. Edwin Jackson and James Shields, the Rays' starters tonight and tomorrow night, respectively, have been tough on Youkilis, Francona said. Also, Drew "looks like he wants to get hot," said Francona.

Drew was two for three -- a double and a homer -- in Monday night's win. Over his last three games Drew has batted .500 (5 for 10) with two homers, a double and four RBI, raising his average from .282 to .296.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner  at 4:17 PM | Permalink