The Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on Sunday, July 19, with first pitch set for 1:35 PM ET on NESN. Sonny Gray gets the ball for Boston, squaring off against lefty Shane McClanahan in what shapes up to be a genuine pitchers' duel between two arms who know how to eat innings and keep lineups off-balance. This is a divisional matchup with real teeth — the kind of AL East afternoon game that can shift momentum heading into the week.

Probable Pitchers: Gray vs. McClanahan

Sonny Gray is a savvy, veteran right-hander who works with craft and conviction. He commands multiple pitches to both sides of the plate and tends to keep the ball on the ground, which plays well at Fenway where the Monster is always lurking for fly-ball pitchers. Gray's ability to work deep into games gives the Boston bullpen a chance to breathe.

Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay's lefty starter, has the kind of stuff that makes lineups uncomfortable. Left-handed pitching at Fenway is always worth watching — the sight lines and dimensions create unique challenges for hitters, and McClanahan has the velocity and secondary pitches to exploit any timing issues. How Boston's lineup handles his fastball-slider combination early will set the tone.

Boston Red Sox Lineup

• 1. Jahmai Jones, DH
• 2. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
• 3. Wilyer Abreu, RF
• 4. Willson Contreras, 1B
• 5. Caleb Durbin, 3B
• 6. Romy Gonzalez, 2B
• 7. Andruw Monasterio, SS
• 8. Jarren Duran, LF
• 9. Connor Wong, C

Keys to Watch

Contreras in the Cleanup Spot

Willson Contreras hitting fourth tells you something about where the Sox see their run production coming from today. The veteran catcher-turned-first-baseman has the power profile to punish mistakes, and if McClanahan leaves anything over the plate in the middle innings, Contreras has the bat to make Tampa Bay pay.

Rafaela and Abreu Setting the Table

Ceddanne Rafaela batting second and Wilyer Abreu third gives Boston speed and athleticism in the early part of the order. Rafaela's range in center is a natural asset behind Gray, who will need the outfield to cover ground on balls in play. Abreu hitting third gives the lineup a legitimate threat in front of Contreras.

Duran Batting Eighth

Jarren Duran slotted into the eight-hole is worth noting. Duran has above-average speed and on-base ability that can create problems for any pitcher when the lineup turns over. Duran reaching base with Wong behind him and the top of the order coming back around gives Boston a chance to generate runs in unconventional ways.

Gray's Command Against a Rays Contact Approach

Tampa Bay routinely fields lineups that grind counts and make pitchers work. Gray's ability to throw strikes early and avoid deep counts will be critical. If he can limit walks and keep the Rays off the bases, Boston's defense — which includes Rafaela in center and a solid infield — should be able to handle what Tampa Bay puts in play.

Prediction

This one figures to be low-scoring and decided late. Gray is the kind of pitcher who gives a team a chance to win every time he takes the ball, and Fenway's afternoon crowd will be into it from the jump. McClanahan is talented enough to keep Boston's lineup quiet for stretches, but the Sox lineup has enough pieces to find a run or two when it counts. Edge to Boston, 3-2, in a game that goes down to the final few outs.