The Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for a 3:15 PM ET first pitch against the San Francisco Giants. Jake Bennett gets the ball for Boston opposite San Francisco's Matt Wilkinson in what shapes up as a matchup of two pitchers whose 2026 numbers aren't yet widely established — which means the lineup cards and situational execution could do the heavy lifting in this one. The game airs on NBC/Peacock nationally and locally on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Boston Red Sox vs. San Francisco Giants Game Preview: August 23, 2026

With Bennett on the mound, this is a chance for the young right-hander to build on his body of work in a home environment where the Fenway faithful can give him some energy. San Francisco sends Wilkinson to the rubber — a pitcher Boston's lineup will be working to solve from the opening at-bat. Neither starter's ERA or win-loss record is available heading into this one, so the performance Saturday speaks louder than any number on a spreadsheet.

Starting Lineups and Pitching Matchup

Boston Red Sox Lineup

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

Pitching Matchup

• Boston: Jake Bennett (RHP)
• San Francisco: Matt Wilkinson

Keys to Watch at Fenway Park

Rafaela and Abreu Set the Tone Early

Ceddanne Rafaela hitting second and Wilyer Abreu slotting in third puts two athletic, energetic players in premium lineup spots. If those two can get on base and create traffic ahead of Willson Contreras in the cleanup spot, Boston's offense has a path to putting runs on the board early against an unfamiliar arm in Wilkinson.

Contreras as the Middle-of-the-Order Anchor

Willson Contreras batting cleanup at first base is the Sox's best opportunity to do damage. With Jones likely to see pitches at the top of the order and Rafaela and Abreu working ahead of him, Contreras needs to be the guy who cashes in runners. His at-bats against Wilkinson will define the offensive rhythm for Boston.

Bennett's Command Inside Fenway

Jake Bennett pitching at home gives the Red Sox a chance to see what he can do with a friendly crowd behind him. The key will be his ability to work through the Giants' lineup efficiently and give Boston length into the game. If he can get deep into the sixth or seventh, the bullpen situation becomes far more manageable.

Bottom of the Order Depth

Nick Sogard, Andruw Monasterio, Eli White, and Connor Wong round out the lineup from six through nine. That group needs to be a factor — not just passengers. Opposing pitchers tend to relax when the bottom of the order comes up, and any damage done by that quartet can pay dividends when the lineup turns over.

Prediction

This is a game where process matters as much as outcome. Bennett keeping the Giants in check through five or six innings and Boston's middle of the order doing damage against an unfamiliar Wilkinson gives the Red Sox a reasonable path to a Sunday afternoon win at Fenway. Edge: Red Sox, 4-2.