Red Sox vs. Yankees Lineups: The beginning of the end (of the regular season)

There isn’t anything to play for at this point for the Red Sox. They’ve clinched everything they can clinch, and their players have reached just about every milestone for which they had a realistic shot. The Yankees, though, still are playing to wrap up home field in the Wildcard Game. Their magic number for that is only one, so that battle could be over soon, but the Red Sox would love for that game to happen out west. Not only would that be worse for the Yankees — and thus, good for the Red Sox — but also it would mean whoever wins that game has to travel across the country for the ALDS. It’s a small advantage, but any edge can help in the postseason. Anyway, point is, the Red Sox would like for this to happen. They won’t go all out to sweep the Yankees, but it’s in the back of their minds.

As for this game in particular, well, the Red Sox are just about at full strength in their lineup. For the most part, they have their top guys slotted in. Of note is that Blake Swihart is behind the plate, which would be more notable if someone other than Brian Johnson was pitching. Most importantly, Eduardo Núñez is in at DH. Rafael Devers has been red-hot at the plate since Núñez’ injury — and Devers is starting at third base tonight — which has made his absence less felt. Still, it’s nice to be back at full strength. The full lineups are below.