If it feels like the Red Sox have played the Rays roughly 87 times in the last month, it’s because they kind of have. By the time this new series concludes on Wednesday, they will have played five games against each other in the first eight days of the month.
The good news is that this is the final meeting between the two division rivals until next season. The bad news is twofold: the Sox are 7-9 in the season series after beginning it with a three-game sweep back in April, and these games (and all games this month) are now crucial for the Red Sox as they attempt to lock down a Wild Card berth. Being in first place feels like it was ages ago, doesn’t it?
What Time is the Red Sox Game Today?
First pitch today is scheduled for 1:10 PM EST.
What Channel is the Red Sox Game on Today?
Today’s Red Sox game is available on NESN, Bally Sports Sun, ESPN, and MLB.TV (blackout restrictions may apply).
Red Sox vs Rays Odds Today
The Red Sox are favored on the moneyline today, which makes me scared that they’ll lose. But anyway, they’re -145 (bet $145 to win $100) and the Rays are +125 (bet $100 to win $125).
The spread has the Rays +1.5 at -160 (bet $160 to win $100) while the Sox are -1.5 at +135 (bet $100 to win $135).
If betting on runs is your bag, the over/under today is 10, with the over at +110 (bet $100 to win $110) and the under at -140 (bet $140 to win $100).
Red Sox Pitcher Today: Chris Sale
Chris Sale is Chris Sale. End of story.
Just kidding, but not really. Since making his triumphant return from Tommy John in August, Sale has a 2.53 ERA over his first four big-league starts since August 2019. He’s been back for a month and he’s already thrown an immaculate inning.
Across 21 1/3 total innings, he’s allowed six earned runs, five walks, and has 24 strikeouts. His most recent start was against the Rays last week, and he went six full innings for the first time since his return, and threw a season-high 95 pitches.
As Sale shakes the rust off after two full years away from the mound, I’m not concerned by the lower strikeouts or any of it, really. Like I said, he’s Chris Sale.
Meanwhile, poor Ryan Yarbrough will be thrilled to get his final start of the season against the Sox over with; they’ve knocked him around all year, including last week.
Yarbrough currently has the worst ERA (4.50) and FIP (4.32) of his career. Over 134 innings, he’s allowed 67 earned runs, including 21 homers, issued 23 walks, and struck out 104 batters.
In four games against the Sox this season, Yarbrough has a 9.00 ERA over 18 innings and has allowed 18 earned runs to them. His ERA was actually 12.00 against them before last week’s start, but he managed to go six innings and only allow two earned runs; he’d allowed five or more in each of the other games against the Sox.
Red Sox Starting Lineup
Taylor Motter, acquired from the Rockies last week, will lead off for the first time. Check back later for the full lineup!
Red Sox vs Rays Prediction Today
Sunday’s loss was incredibly frustrating and demoralizing, but the vibe is different when Sale pitches. It sounds crazy, but he simply won’t stand for that nonsense. He will scream at you in the dugout.
Besides, Sale Day on Labor Day? The unofficial end of summer has to go out with a win, right?
Red Sox vs Rays Live Stream
If you need a live stream, head to FuboTV for a free trial!