Middlebrooks Set To Make Major League Debut For Red Sox

BOSTON (CBS) -- It didn't take long for Will Middlebrooks to crack the Red Sox lineup after being called up from the minors.

The 23-year-old prospect will get the start at third and bat eighth for Boston on Wednesday night as they wrap up a three-game set with the Oakland Athletics with Daniel Bard on the mound.

"This is something you work towards your whole life so it feels really good to be here," Middlebrooks said at Fenway Park before his first start. "I worked to be here, so I was ready when they called. I'm ready to go."

Hear Middlebrooks Prior To His Debut: 

Middlebrooks, 23, said his spring with the big club is helping him feel more comfortable for this call-up.

"Being able to create relationships with these guys, being able to come in here and be comfortable was huge," he said.

Middlebrooks said the last time he hit at Fenway was in 2008 with the Lowell Spinners, but "that was a blue because I was in awe of everything." This time around, he said both manager Bobby Valentine and general manager Ben Cherington told him to enjoy himself.

"Just play my game and be Will Middlebrooks," he said when asked of Cherington's advice. "Don't try to be anyone else, just try to play my game and have fun."

Here is the full Red Sox lineup for Wednesday night:

1. Mike Aviles, SS
2. Ryan Sweeney, RF
3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Cody Ross, LF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
9. Marlon Byrd, CF