After two close losses to the Indians, the Red Sox will welcome the Twins into Fenway Park Monday night, sending Rubby De La Rosa to the mound with what might be one of his last chances to impress in this trip to the majors.
With Brandon Workman turning in back-to-back excellent starts against the Orioles and Indians, he's made it awfully difficult for the Red Sox to justify sending him back to Pawtucket when either Clay Buchholz or Felix Doubront is deemed ready to return. Between his fantastic first performance against the Rays and scattered bursts of generally impressive pitching in his other two appearances, there is little danger that Rubby De La Rosa will be forgotten. However, his second and third outings have also shown that there is plenty of room for improvement. Tonight might just be his chance to leave a good final impression with John Farrell and the front office, so that the next time they need a starting pitcher they remember the Rubby who dominated the Rays more vividly than the one who struggled against Detroit and Baltimore.
As for the lineup proper, it's about as good as it can be these days. Xander Bogaerts is back in after missing Sunday's game with flu-like symptoms, and between Brock Holt and a Daniel Nava who suddenly looks like his old self again, there's actually some hope for the outfield. The problem remains that Boston's best players just aren't hitting like Boston's best players should, but at least in terms of personnel this is getting up towards a high point.
First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.