BOSTON -- The Red Sox have struggled of late and the last thing they need is to have two of their top sluggers out of the lineup against the surging Tampa Bay Rays.

And that’s why Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz are back in the lineup Thursday night.

Ortiz missed both games against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week because of a stiff lower back, and Gonzalez was removed from Wednesday’s game in the top of the seventh inning due to tightness in his left calf muscle.

“I don’t think you’re going to see Gonzy steal a base. I don’t think you’re going to see him steal a base when he’s at 100 percent,” Francona said. “He feels good enough to play, which is great.”

Ortiz?

“David’s still sore but he’s good enough to play,” added the manager. “This time of year I think we understand our responsibilities, but we’ll keep an eye on him. Both of them wouldn’t play if they didn’t think they could be productive, or we wouldn’t let them play.”

Francona admitted that if the club’s lead in the wild card was significantly larger than it is, Ortiz and Gonzalez might not be playing.

“I’ve haven’t been accused of being an Ivy Leaguer, but for me these are important games,” Francona said.