The Boston Red Sox make the trip to Rogers Centre on Thursday, August 13 for a 3:07 PM ET matinee against the Toronto Blue Jays. It's a challenging assignment on paper: right-hander Payton Tolle gets the ball for Boston opposite Max Scherzer, one of the most decorated starters of his generation. Toronto is sending out a lineup built around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. Boston's lineup has not been released. Catch the game on NESN or listen on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Tolle vs. Scherzer at Rogers Centre

Payton Tolle gets the nod for the Red Sox in what figures to be a developmental test. Tolle is still carving out his place in Boston's rotation, and facing a pitcher of Scherzer's caliber — and a Blue Jays lineup with legitimate run-producing talent — is about as real a trial by fire as you'll find. No current ERA or won-loss figures are available for either starter heading into this one, so the focus has to be on execution and approach rather than numbers.

Scherzer needs no lengthy introduction. His track record speaks for itself, and Toronto will lean on him to set the tone early. If Tolle can limit damage in the first few innings and keep Boston in the game, that in itself would be a meaningful result worth noting.

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup to Watch

The Blue Jays are sending out a recognizable group. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits third at first base — always the central threat in any Toronto lineup. George Springer slots in at DH batting cleanup, giving the Jays real protection behind Guerrero. Andrés Giménez bats sixth at shortstop, adding contact and defensive value up the middle. Charles McAdoo leads off in left, with Ernie Clement hitting second at second base.

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, batting 3rd) — The cornerstone of Toronto's offense and the at-bat Tolle must prepare for most carefully.
• George Springer (DH, batting 4th) — Experience and power behind Guerrero; a dangerous two-punch in the middle of the order.
• Andrés Giménez (SS, batting 6th) — Keeps pressure on Boston's defense with his ability to put the ball in play.
• Kazuma Okamoto (3B, batting 5th) — The wild card in this lineup; Boston's pitching staff will need to do homework here.

Keys to the Game

Can Tolle Limit the Damage Early?

Against a lineup this capable, the first two innings will tell the story. If Tolle gets through the top of the order without a crooked number on the board, Boston has a chance to keep this competitive deep into the afternoon.

Boston's Offense Needs to Make Scherzer Work

With the Red Sox lineup not yet confirmed, the offensive equation is an open question. What isn't a question is this: working deep counts against Scherzer, grinding at-bats, and putting pressure on Toronto's bullpen early is the blueprint. Sitting back and letting Scherzer dictate rhythm is a recipe for a long afternoon.

Bullpen Management

Given that Tolle's workload capacity in this start is uncertain, Boston's bullpen availability and sequencing could end up being just as important as what Tolle does with his time on the mound.

Prediction

This is a tough spot for the Red Sox. Scherzer against an unconfirmed Boston lineup at Rogers Centre, with Tolle making what figures to be a high-stakes start, tilts the ledger toward Toronto. The Blue Jays take this one, but how Tolle handles the challenge is the real storyline to track out of this afternoon.