The Boston Red Sox host the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with first pitch set for 3:05 PM ET. Payton Tolle gets the ball for Boston against Kansas City's Noah Cameron in an afternoon regular season matchup. With the calendar deep into September, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Sox will look to take care of business in front of the Fenway faithful. Catch the action on NESN locally or tune in on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Probable Pitchers: Payton Tolle vs. Noah Cameron

Payton Tolle draws the Sunday start for Boston. The Red Sox will be counting on him to eat innings and keep the Royals lineup — which features some legitimate threats — in check. Kansas City counters with Noah Cameron, a right-handed option who will be tasked with quieting a Boston lineup that has some punch from top to bottom. Stats for both pitchers were not available heading into this one, so what we see Sunday will speak for itself.

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup

• 1. Roman Anthony, LF
• 2. Jahmai Jones, DH
• 3. Wilyer Abreu, RF
• 4. Willson Contreras, 1B
• 5. Adley Rutschman, C
• 6. Trevor Story, SS
• 7. Caleb Durbin, 3B
• 8. Nick Sogard, 2B
• 9. Nate Eaton, CF

Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup

• 1. Nick Loftin, 3B
• 2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
• 3. Jac Caglianone, DH
• 4. Salvador Perez, 1B
• 5. Michael Massey, 2B
• 6. Matthew Lugo, RF
• 7. Isaac Collins, LF
• 8. Luke Maile, C
• 9. Tyler Tolbert, CF

Keys to Watch in Sunday's Game

Roman Anthony at the Top

Roman Anthony leads off for Boston and sets the table. How he handles his at-bats early will shape the tone of the game. If he gets on base consistently, it puts pressure on Cameron from the first inning onward and lets the middle of the order — Abreu, Contreras, and Rutschman — do damage.

Bobby Witt Jr. Is the Danger in the Kansas City Order

Hitting second for the Royals, Bobby Witt Jr. is the name Boston's pitching staff must account for every single at-bat. He has the ability to hurt you in multiple ways, and Tolle will need a plan to keep him off the bases. Salvador Perez hitting cleanup adds another credible run-producing threat behind Witt.

Adley Rutschman Batting Fifth

Slotting Adley Rutschman into the five-hole is an interesting choice. He brings a disciplined approach and on-base ability that can extend rallies rather than end them. His presence behind Contreras could be a key factor in late-game situations if the Sox need to manufacture runs.

Tolle's Command Will Be the Deciding Factor

With no ERA or win-loss record available to lean on, this game becomes about what Tolle shows on the mound in real time. If he works ahead in counts and limits walks against a Royals lineup that can play small ball, the Sox should be in good shape heading to the late innings.

Prediction

Fenway in September with something to play for — the Red Sox should feed off that energy. The Boston lineup has enough depth to grind out runs against Cameron, and the home crowd will be dialed in for an afternoon game. Boston takes this one, but it will likely be decided in the late innings. Red Sox 4, Royals 2.