Red Sox Battle Athletics for Playoff Spot at Fenway Park

Red Sox Face Athletics in Crucial Series Opener at Fenway Park

The Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park to begin a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, September 16th. After a day off, the Red Sox are looking to capitalize on the Yankees' recent loss and strengthen their position in the wild-card race.

Playoff Implications and Standings

The Red Sox are currently just one game behind the top wild-card spot and a half-game ahead of the Houston Astros. With only 12 games remaining, they hold a 3½-game lead over the surging Cleveland Guardians, making every game crucial in their playoff push. The series against the Athletics presents a vital opportunity to solidify their standing.

Pitching Matchup: Early vs. Springs

Rookie left-hander Connelly Early will make his second career start for the Red Sox, facing the Athletics. Interestingly, his first start was also against the A's and his opponent will be former Red Sox southpaw Jeffrey Springs. However, this time Early will be pitching at Fenway Park.

Early will be thrown into the playoff race fire as he has pitched well but is still inexperienced. The Sox have limited reliable options for the No. 4 and No. 5 rotation spots. If he pitches close to how he did in his first start, a rotation spot is likely his for the remainder of the season.

Today's Lineups

ATHLETICS	RED SOX
Shea Langeliers – C	Romy Gonzalez – 1B
Jacob Wilson – SS	Alex Bregman – 3B
Nick Kurtz – 1B	Trevor Story – SS
Brent Rooker – DH	Rob Refsnyder – DH
Colby Thomas – RF	Carlos Narvaez – C
Darell Hernaiz – 2B	Nate Eaton – RF
Brett Harris – 3B	Nick Sogard – 2B
Lawrence Butler – CF	Jarren Duran – LF
Max Schuemann – LF	Ceddanne Rafaela – CF
Jeffrey Springs – LHP	Connelly Early – LHP

⚾️ First Pitch: 6:45pm at Fenway Park

📺 TV: NESN

📻 Radio: WEEI

Series Preview: Athletics at Boston Red Sox

Despite a disappointing weekend against the Yankees, the Red Sox managed to avoid a sweep and kept the Texas Rangers at bay. Boston and Oakland didn't face each other all season, so this is their first time seeing each other in a while, in coast-to-coast matchups.

Jeffrey Springs gave up 5 runs in 5.0 innings in his previous start. Boston's rookie lefty Connelly Early struck out 11 in 5.0 innings in his major league debut. Mason Barnett is also back for a start. J.T. Ginn may have the living Force as his ally but hasn’t had tons of success just yet. Brayan Bello will be looking to bounce back after a mess against the Yankees.

Probable Pitching Matchups

Date	Matchup
Tuesday, September 16	Jeffrey Springs (4.28 ERA / 4.73 FIP) vs. Connelly Early (0.00 ERA / -0.65 FIP)
Wednesday, September 17	Mason Barnett (8.53 ERA / 3.78 FIP) vs. Lucas Giolito (3.31 ERA / 4.03 FIP)
Thursday, September 18	J.T. “Qui-Gon” Ginn (4.69 ERA / 4.63 FIP) vs. Brayan Bello (3.25 ERA / 2.81 FIP)