Payton Tolle attempts to save Red Sox from demoralizing sweep

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 07: Payton Tolle #70 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out a batter to end the sixth inning against the Athletics at Fenway Park on August 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images TV: NESN First Pitch: 3:07 p.m.

Baseball Zone

SEE ALL

SB Nation

Yankees leave bats at home, drop drowsy finale to Mariners

SB Nation

Second Tommy John surgery knocks Hunter Greene out for all of 2027 season

SB Nation

Get Ready With Me: Mariners Win 1-0 in the Background

What is the story about?

TV: NESN

First Pitch: 3:07 p.m. ET

It’s not time to panic yet. Regression was due, but the Red Sox are on the verge of dropping six consecutive games immediately following a nine-game winning streak. Payton Tolle is the guy the team would love to see put the ballclub back on track as he takes the mound fresh off career-best 14 strikeouts against the Athletics.

Here’s who the Red Sox will send to the plate behind him Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays send the aging Max Scherzer to the hill. While he’s certainly ready for Cooperstown when he hangs up his cleats, he’s never fared well against Boston with a 5.77 ERA in 14 regular season starts against the Red Sox in his career.