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Ortiz returns as Red Sox host Yankees

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:08 AM NY Yankees (56-45) at Boston (60-43) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox will receive a big boost when they host the New York Yankees on Friday.

After missing nearly two months with a torn tendon in his left wrist, David Ortiz returns. The 32-year-old slugger completed a rehab assignment last week that saw him hit three home runs during a six-game stint with Class AAA Pawtucket and Class AA Portland.

Boston, which is coming off a three-game sweep at the Seattle Mariners, played well without Ortiz, going 26-19.

Josh Beckett (9-6, 3.97 ERA) will take the mound for the Red Sox, who are 36-11 at home and are in a virtual tie for first place in the American League East with the Tampa Bay Rays. The righthander lost his last start, allowing four runs in eight innings during Boston's 4-2 setback to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Beckett has fared well against the Yankees, going 3-0 with a 3.92 ERA in three starts.

The Bronx Bombers are riding a six-game winning streak, having swept the the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins to open the second half . They will counter with Joba Chamberlain (2-3, 2.52).

The 22-year-old righthander is winless in his last four starts, although he allowed one run in six innings during New York's 4-3 victory over Oakland in 12 innings last Saturday.