The Red Sox, a rest day removed from a critical Game 2 ALCS win against the Astros, send Nathan Eovaldi (6-7. 3.81 ERA) the mound against former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA) this afternoon in Houston (5:09 p.m., TBS).

About Game 3: Eovaldi, who’s been a low-key season saver, looks to bring his magic to Minute Maid Park. It’s a tough ask. He started one game there this year, giving up four earned runs in six innings. That might not be good enough tonight, but it wouldn’t be disqualifying, either, if Boston’s bats can light up Keuchel. Like Eovaldi, Keuchel has faced the opposing lineup once this year. Like Eovaldi, he pitched six innings. Unlike Eovaldi, he gave up five earned runs. Advantage: Boston!

Steve Pearce is at first against the lefty and batting fifth, while Eduardo Núñez takes third base and Ian Kinsler second, with Christian Vázquez behind the plate. The Astros roll out their first Tyler White-less lineup of the series, with José Altuve DHing and Marwin González at second base. Tony Kemp makes his first start in left, and Brian McCann is behind the plate.

About Game 2: The David Price atonement game became the Jackie Bradley Jr. bases-clearing double game and the Sox held on for a 7-5 win.

Forecast: Excitement!

Today’s reading: Craig Kimbrel is not right.

A good tweet:

LINEUPS