The Boston Red Sox make the trip to St. Petersburg for a Sunday afternoon clash against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, with first pitch set for 1:40 PM ET on September 20, 2026. Patrick Sandoval gets the ball for Boston opposite Tampa Bay's Griffin Jax in what shapes up as a pitching-driven afternoon in the AL East. With the regular season winding down, every game in the division carries weight, and this one is no exception. Catch it on NESN or listen in on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Probable Starters: Sandoval vs. Jax

Patrick Sandoval draws the assignment for Boston. The left-hander will need to navigate a Rays lineup that, while not loaded with marquee names, is built on contact and situational hitting. Sandoval's ability to work deep into games and limit free passes will be the first thing to watch from the Sox side.

Tampa Bay counters with Griffin Jax, a right-hander who figures to challenge Boston's lineup with his stuff out of the bullpen — and now as a starting option. Jax presents a different look than a typical rotation arm, so Boston's hitters will need to stay disciplined from the first pitch.

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup

• Roman Anthony, LF
• Mickey Gasper, DH
• Adley Rutschman, C
• Trevor Story, SS
• Nick Sogard, 1B
• Caleb Durbin, 3B
• Jarren Duran, CF
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B
• Nate Eaton, RF

Tampa Bay Rays Starting Lineup

• Yandy Díaz, DH
• Ryan Vilade, 1B
• Junior Caminero, 3B
• Jonny DeLuca, CF
• Chandler Simpson, LF
• Ben Williamson, 2B
• Nick Fortes, C
• Victor Mesa Jr., RF
• Taylor Walls, SS

Keys to Watch for Boston

• Rutschman in the three-hole: Adley Rutschman batting third gives Boston a legitimate on-base threat in the heart of the order. His ability to work counts and get runners in from scoring position is central to how this offense functions.
• Roman Anthony at the top: The young outfielder leading off is a big-picture storyline. Anthony's plate discipline and ability to get on base sets the table for everything else Boston wants to do offensively.
• Sandoval's command: Against a Rays club that makes pitchers work, Sandoval needs to establish his fastball early and stay ahead in counts. Walks are the enemy in a ballpark Tampa Bay knows inside and out.
• Duran's bat lower in the order: Jarren Duran hitting seventh is an interesting wrinkle. His speed remains a factor regardless of lineup spot — if he gets on base, he changes the dynamic of any inning.

Prediction

This is a game Boston can take if Sandoval gives them five or six quality innings and the offense does its job early against Jax, who is still establishing himself in a starting role. The Rays are never easy at Tropicana Field, and Junior Caminero in the middle of their lineup is a legitimate threat. But the Sox have enough in this lineup, particularly with Rutschman and Anthony, to put runs on the board. Lean Boston, 4-3, in a tight one that goes deep into the bullpen for both sides.