The Boston Red Sox head to Citi Field on Sunday, July 12 for a 1:40 PM ET afternoon matchup against the New York Mets. Right-hander Payton Tolle takes the ball for Boston against New York's Zach Thornton. With the calendar deep into the second half of the 2026 season, every game carries real weight in the standings — and a road win over a Mets club that can turn a lineup card up and down with serious talent is never easy to come by. Catch the action on NESN or listen along on WEEI 93.7.

Probable Pitchers: Payton Tolle vs. Zach Thornton

Payton Tolle draws the assignment for Boston. The right-hander will need to be sharp against a Mets lineup that slots Juan Soto — one of the most dangerous hitters in the game — at DH batting second, with Francisco Lindor following him at three. That 2-3 punch alone demands quality stuff and pitch sequencing. Tolle's command and ability to limit walks will be central to any positive outcome.

On the other side, Zach Thornton toes the rubber for New York. Boston's lineup will need to find ways on base and move runners to make this a competitive outing. It's a matchup worth watching closely from the very first pitch.

Boston Red Sox Lineup at Citi Field

• 1. Anthony Seigler — 2B
• 2. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
• 3. Wilyer Abreu — RF
• 4. Romy Gonzalez — 1B
• 5. Caleb Durbin — 3B
• 6. Andruw Monasterio — SS
• 8. Nate Eaton — LF
• 9. Connor Wong — C

New York Mets Lineup

• 1. A.J. Ewing — CF
• 2. Juan Soto — DH
• 3. Francisco Lindor — SS
• 4. Eric Wagaman — 1B
• 5. Carson Benge — RF
• 6. Tyrone Taylor — LF
• 7. Luis Torrens — C
• 8. Brett Baty — 3B
• 9. Zack Short — 2B

Keys to Watch for Boston

• Tolle's command against the top of the order: Soto and Lindor hitting second and third means the Mets can do damage in bunches early. Tolle cannot afford to fall behind in counts and put runners on base for that pair to drive in.
• Rafaela and Abreu getting on base: Ceddanne Rafaela in center and Wilyer Abreu in right have been important pieces of Boston's outfield. If those two can get on base in front of Romy Gonzalez, the Sox have the pieces to manufacture runs on the road.
• Connor Wong's game management: Wong behind the plate brings a steady hand. His work with Tolle — pitch framing, calling a game that keeps hitters off-balance — will matter in a park that can play differently than Fenway.
• Capitalizing against Thornton: Without a track record available on Thornton heading into this one, Boston's hitters need to be disciplined early, work counts, and look for mistakes against a pitcher they may not have seen much of.

Prediction

This is a road game against a Mets lineup with legitimate firepower at the top. Tolle will need to be efficient and keep the ball in the park at Citi Field. If Boston's middle of the order — anchored by Gonzalez at cleanup — can produce against Thornton, the Sox have a path to winning this one. Call it a competitive game that comes down to which starting pitcher navigates trouble better. Edge: Mets, but Boston is more than capable of stealing this one on the road.