The Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park on Tuesday, September 1 for a 6:45 PM ET regular season showdown against the Seattle Mariners. Bryan Woo gets the ball for Seattle, while Boston's starter is yet to be announced. With September baseball in full swing and every game carrying weight in the standings, this is exactly the kind of home date the Red Sox need to take care of business in front of their own fans. Catch it on NESN or tune in on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Bryan Woo vs. TBD

Seattle sends right-hander Bryan Woo to the mound, one of the more intriguing young arms in the American League. Woo has shown the ability to miss bats and work efficiently through lineups, making him a genuine challenge for any offense. Boston has not yet announced a starter, which is a storyline worth watching as Tuesday approaches. Whether it's a named arm or a bullpen game, the Red Sox pitching staff will need to match Woo's competitiveness to give this lineup a chance to do damage.

Seattle Mariners Lineup to Watch

The Mariners are bringing a loaded lineup into Fenway. Julio Rodríguez hits third and remains one of the most dangerous center fielders in the American League. Cal Raleigh slots in at cleanup — the catcher has been one of Seattle's most consistent power threats. Randy Arozarena leads off in left and brings speed and pop at the top of the order. Josh Naylor bats fifth and provides a professional at-bat every time up. This is not a lineup Boston's pitching staff can afford to take lightly, especially in the middle of a tight regular season stretch.

Boston Red Sox Lineup Keys

• Roman Anthony leads off in right field. The young outfielder at the top of the order sets the tone — his ability to get on base early against Woo will be critical.
• Ceddanne Rafaela hits third in center. Rafaela's speed and athleticism give Boston a threat both at the plate and on the bases.
• Wilyer Abreu slots in as the cleanup DH. Boston needs production from that four-hole, and Abreu is the man tasked with driving runners home.
• Jarren Duran bats seventh in left field. Duran's bat speed and ability to barrel up fastballs can turn a quiet inning into a big one in a hurry.
• Connor Wong hits ninth behind the plate. Wong is a capable bat at the bottom of the order who can turn the lineup over to Anthony at the top.

The Bottom of the Order Matters

Nick Sogard at second, Caleb Durbin at third, and Trevor Story at shortstop round out the middle portion of the lineup. Story's health and production have been factors to monitor all season. If he can contribute in a spot where Boston needs a big hit, it changes the complexion of the lineup considerably.

Keys to Watch Tuesday Night

• Boston's unnamed starter — or bullpen configuration — will define how far into this game the Sox can keep the Mariners' bats in check.
• How the Red Sox lineup handles Woo's arsenal early. Getting deep counts and working him out of the zone will be the offensive priority.
• The Rodríguez-Raleigh-Naylor stretch of the Seattle order. That three-batter run in the middle could do real damage if Boston's pitching doesn't execute.
• Fenway Park crowd energy in September. Home atmosphere matters, and a loud Fenway can absolutely shift momentum.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home, but the pitching uncertainty on Boston's side is a legitimate concern against a Seattle team with real offensive weapons. If the Red Sox can name a competent starter and that arm gives them five or six solid innings, the lineup has enough in it to produce runs against Woo. The middle of Seattle's order — Rodríguez through Naylor — is the x-factor. Boston takes this one at Fenway, 4–3, in a close game that comes down to late bullpen management. But don't expect it to be easy.