Jason Hammel (L), Jon Lester (R)

After enjoying a day off yesterday, the Boston Red Sox return to the friendly confines of Historic Fenway Park for a six-game homestand. They’ll kick it off tonight with the first game of a three-game set with the Baltimore Orioles.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on NESN in the Red Sox television market. If you live in the Orioles television market, you can catch the game on MASN. If you can’t catch the television broadcast, you can always listen to it on the Red Sox radio network.

Jon Lester looks to even up his record in his 12th start of 2012. In his previous 11 starts, Lester is 3-4 with a 4.79 ERA. In his only start against the Orioles this season, he picked up a no decision after allowing three runs in six innings back on May 4th. Lester has had great success against the Orioles in his career as he is 14-0 with a 2.47 ERA in 19 starts.

Jason Hammel makes his 11th start of 2012 for Buck Showalter’s Orioles. In his previous 10 starts, Hammel is 6-2 with a 3.06 ERA. He picked up the win in his only start against the Red Sox this season after allowing two runs in 6.2 innings back on May 5th. Hammel’s made 10 career appearances (four starts) and is 1-2 with a 5.34 ERA. Seven of those appearances (two starts) have come at the Fens where he is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

Click on the read more button below to see today’s lineups, batter/pitcher matchups and links from the overnight and day if you’re on the home page.

Here are today’s lineups:

Baltimore Orioles30-24 Boston Red Sox28-26
1. Robert Andino 2B 1. Scott Podsednik CF
2. J.J. Hardy SS 2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. Adam Jones CF 3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
4. Matt Wieters C 4. David Ortiz DH
5. Mark Reynolds 1B 5. Kevin Youkilis 3B
6. Steve Pearce LF 6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
7. Ronny Paulino DH 7. Ryan Sweeney RF
8. Steven Tolleson 3B 8. Daniel Nava LF
9. Endy Chavez RF 9. Mike Aviles SS
Jason Hammel SP Jon Lester SP

And here is how the hitters have fared against today’s starting pitchers:

Baltimore Orioles @ Boston Red Sox batter/pitcher matchups

NOTES: Darnell McDonald has been activated from the 15-day DL. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Red Sox have optioned Daniel Bard to the PawSox.

REFRESH OR CHECK BACK OFTEN AS MORE LINKS WILL BE ADDED BEFORE GAMETIME IF/WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND WILL BE BOLDED

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Sox option Bard to Triple-A Pawtucket [Rob Bradford – WEEI.com]

Daniel Bard optioned to Triple-A [Clubhouse Insider]

Bobby V on Daniel Bard to minors: ‘I think it’ll be a quick turnaround’ [Clubhouse Insider]

Orioles are back to Earth [CSN New England]

Red Sox option Bard to Pawtucket [CSN New England]

Where’s all the Bobby V. talk now? [CSN New England]

Pedroia to Valentine: ‘I feel perfect’ [CSN New England]

Valentine expects ‘quick turnaround’ for Bard in Pawtucket [CSN New England]

Crawford hits on field; Ellsbury hits off tee [CSN New England]

Red Sox first pick Marrero honored to be chosen [CSN New England]

Red Sox send Bard to Pawtucket [ESPN Boston]

Bard hoping for ‘quick turnaround’ [ESPN Boston]

Valentine: Pedroia ‘said he feels perfect’ [ESPN Boston]

Daniel Bard optioned to Triple A [Extra Bases]

Podcast: Bard, Nava and the bullpen [Extra Bases]

Nuggetpalooza: Is the Red Sox’ Clay Buchholz back? [Full Count]

Bobby Valentine says Daniel Bard needs to work on mechanics in minors [Full Count]

Daniel Nava, Kelly Shoppach Lead Red Sox Who Are Looking to Keep Up Heat Against Orioles [NESN.com]

Which League’s Draft Is Most Important to Future Success? [NESN.com]

Roush Fenway’s Trevor Bayne to Throw Out First Pitch at Red Sox Game on Tuesday Night [NESN.com]

Red Sox Hope Daniel Bard Can Correct Mechanics in Pawtucket, Still Envision Him as Starter For Now [NESN.com]

Dustin Pedroia Will Sport a Customized Splint to Protect Thumb, Feels ‘Perfect’ and Has ‘No Reservations’ About Playing [NESN.com]

Deven Marrero Excited to Follow in Dustin Pedroia’s Footsteps, Looks Forward to Joining Red Sox [NESN.com]

Kevin Youkilis Trade Talk May Be Premature With Red Sox’ Immediate Needs Unknown [Don Orsillo – NESN.com]

Drafting three college players sets up Red Sox to pounce in middle rounds of draft [Projo Sox Blog]

Daniel Bard optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket [Projo Sox Blog]

Kalish joins PawSox; Prior, Buckner do, too [Projo Sox Blog]

Marrero wouldn’t mind following Pedroia’s path [Projo Sox Blog]

Fourth-round pick Buttrey epitomizes changing landscape of Major League Baseball draft [Projo Sox Blog]

As expected, Pedroia returns to Red Sox lineup [Projo Sox Blog]

Lester out to continue dominance of Orioles [RedSox.com]

Red Sox continue to stock system on Draft Day 2 [RedSox.com]

Market for Youk tough to determine [RedSox.com]

Pedroia back in lineup, to wear brace on thumb [RedSox.com]

Bard sent to Triple-A by Red Sox [RedSox.com]

Sox draftee Johnson ready to focus on pitching [RedSox.com]

Nothing but winners, not mediocrity, in East [RedSox.com]

Sox pick Marrero hopes to follow Pedroia [Alex Speier – WEEI.com]

Are minors the solution to Bard dilemma? [Touching All the Bases]

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photo credits: Getty Images, Getty Images