Boston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 16, 2012 ) Boston 4, Chi. Cubs 3

The Boston Red Sox have tried a number of different lineups in their search for offense. On Saturday, that led them to Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the cleanup spot. Saltalamacchia responded with a two-run homer to spark the club to its fourth win in the last 12 games. The Chicago Cubs, who shut out the Red Sox on Friday, are no strangers to offensive struggles and have been held to four or fewer runs in 12 of 15 games this month.

The Cubs will be trying to secure their first series win of June on Sunday when they close a six-game homestand. Chicago president Theo Epstein has admitted to mixed feelings upon seeing his new club face the team that he guided to a pair of World Series titles but has been watching intently this weekend - not only because of the opponent but in evaluation mode. The Cubs are one of the few teams already decided as sellers and will be trying to improve the club in advance of the trade deadline. The Red Sox are trying to prove they belong in the buyers' club.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Franklin Morales (0-1, 3.04 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Paul Maholm (4-5, 4.91 ERA)

Morales is being summoned from the bullpen to replace Josh Beckett, who was placed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. Morales has not started a game since 2009 with the Colorado Rockies but has totaled 7 1/3 scoreless innings over his last two relief appearances. He has made four appearances - one start - against Chicago in his career, allowing 18 hits but only four earned runs in 11 2/3 total innings.

Maholm has not won since May 9 - a span of six starts. The veteran left-hander has allowed four or more runs in four of his last six turns but was sharp against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, yielding two runs and striking out seven in six innings of a no-decision. Maholm won his lone previous start against Boston, holding the Red Sox to one run and six hits in 5 1/3 innings last season when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Saltalamacchia was the seventh different cleanup hitter used by Boston this season. Slumping first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was dropped to sixth.

2. Cubs 3B Luis Valbuena hit his first home run of the season on Saturday. He is 1-for-9 since joining Chicago.

3. Boston LF Carl Crawford (wrist, elbow) played catch before Saturday’s game and has been taking occasional batting practice.