The Boston Red Sox make the trip to Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 29 for a 7:15 PM ET showdown against the New York Yankees. It's a prime-time AL rivalry game on FOX, and the Yankees are sending Max Fried to the mound. Boston's starting pitcher had not been officially announced at time of publication. For Red Sox fans tuning in on WEEI 93.7, this is the kind of August rivalry game that can define a season's second half — and the Sox need to show up ready to compete against one of the American League's better starters.

Pitching Matchup: Max Fried Starts for New York

Fried gets the ball for the Yankees, and that is not a favorable draw for Boston's lineup. The left-hander is a proven arm at this level, and pitching at home in the Bronx gives him an added edge. With Boston's starter not yet confirmed, the Sox will need to piece together a plan against a pitcher capable of controlling a game from the first inning onward.

The Red Sox lineup as currently constructed will ask a lot of its hitters against a lefty of Fried's caliber. Boston will look for right-handed bats and patient at-bats to work pitch counts and create opportunities.

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup at Yankee Stadium

• Jahmai Jones — DH
• Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
• Wilyer Abreu — RF
• Willson Contreras — 1B
• Caleb Durbin — 3B
• Andruw Monasterio — SS
• Nick Sogard — 2B
• Connor Wong — C
• Eli White — LF

Keys to Watch for the Red Sox

Working Fried Early

Max Fried is at his best when he's in rhythm and throwing strikes efficiently. Boston's lineup needs to make him work, run up his pitch count in the early innings, and force the Yankees bullpen into action. Contreras hitting cleanup gives the Sox a right-handed threat in the middle of the order — that will be an important at-bat every time he steps in against Fried.

Ceddanne Rafaela's Impact at the Top

Batting second, Rafaela is one of the more dynamic defenders and baserunners Boston has to offer. If Jahmai Jones can get on base as the leadoff man, Rafaela's speed and ability to put the ball in play becomes a genuine weapon. Getting those two clicking early could help Boston scratch across runs before Fried finds his groove.

Connor Wong Behind the Plate

Wong calls the game for whoever Boston sends to the mound. His pitch-calling and game management will matter, especially if the Red Sox starter is navigating a tough Yankees lineup featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Wells, and Heliot Ramos in the middle of the order.

Prediction

This is a tough spot for Boston. Facing Max Fried on the road, in Yankee Stadium, in a prime-time August game is not an easy assignment under any circumstances — and the uncertainty around the Red Sox starter adds another layer of concern. The Yankees lineup has enough pop to make things uncomfortable for whoever takes the ball for Boston. That said, the Red Sox have proven capable of showing up in big spots on the road. Contreras and Rafaela need to be difference-makers. Expect a competitive game, but give the edge to New York until Boston confirms a quality arm to match Fried. Yankees 4, Red Sox 2.