Three. That’s what the Red Sox care about right now. Both as the Magic Number and the number worn by Ceddanne Rafaela. It’s also Ranger Suarez’s ERA. All of it.
The series with the Texas Rangers went, well, not great. However it ended on mostly a high note. Aside from Willson Contreras begin hit in the hand (initial x-rays negative, not follow up announced, 2026 medical curse perhaps behind us?). One thing lining up for the Red Sox: the Rangers are fighting to get into October. The Rays have clinched.
They didn’t clinch the division, but they might be, ever so slightly, less pedal to the metal.
The problem: the bats.
Not the problem: Payton Tolle.
Ranger Suarez is pitching the first game. He hasn’t faced the Rays this year but Boston signed him with big games in mind and his sterling postseason stats (1.48 ERA / 3.02 FIP). Sitting at a Magic Number of 3 a win tonight gets that to 2 minimum. Ian Seymour will try to prevent this. He’s faced the Red Sox twice this season – 3.0 innings, 3 runs and 4.0 innings, 1 run. Since the start of August batters have nearly an .800 OPS against the lefty.
Tolle himself might pitch Saturday, but it hasn’t been announced as of writing. he could also pitch Sunday and sneak in another day of rest. Monday is an off day regardless. The Sox might be waiting to see if the Magic Number is 1 after tonight’s games to decide. Regardless, the rays will send newly repaired Mets castoff Freddy Peralta. He had an ERA of nearly 5.00 in NY and under 4.00 with the Rays. If you toss out his first start with Tampa (7 runs in 3.2 innings) he’s got a 2.66 ERA / 3.78 FIP with 30 Ks in 40.2 innings.
Likewise Sunday is up in the air for Boston. Bello? Sandoval? It might depend on the Magic Number. Griffin Jax continues to covert from relief to starting. After missing a month he got rocked for 6 runs in 2.2 innings in his first start but then tossed 10 innings allowing just a single run over his next two. His first start against Boston was in May where he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) over 4.0 innings. The second was during the sweep in July where he was hit for 7 runs in 5.0 innings. Lets see that again!
Junior Caminero leads the league with 41 homers.
Chandler Simpson is tied for the batting title at .311. He is also leading ins steals (44) and caught stealing (14).
Catcher Liam Hicks has hit .297/.390/.465 since being acquired from the Marlins. What a steal.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday, September 18: Ranger Suarez (3.33 ERA / 3.08 FIP) vs. Ian Seymour (4.27 ERA / 4.02 FIP)
Saturday, September 19: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. Freddy Peralta (4.67 ERA / 4.39 FIP)
Sunday, September 20: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. Griffin Jax (3.80 ERA / 3.86FIP)
When/Where to Watch
Friday, September 18: 7:10 PM ET on NESN
Saturday, September 19: 4:10 PM ET on NESN
Sunday, September 20: 1:40 PM ET on NESN
