Red Sox Aim for Playoff Spot Against Struggling Tigers

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox will host the Detroit Tigers Friday at Fenway Park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. The Red Sox need just one win or the Houston Astros to lose to secure their first playoff appearance since 2021.

Despite suffering a 6-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night, the Red Sox remain optimistic. Their magic number sits at just one, meaning they are on the cusp of clinching their postseason berth.

The Tigers come into this matchup struggling, having lost 16 of their last 20 games. They previously enjoyed a significant lead in the AL Central, but the Cleveland Guardians are now tied with them for first place.

On the mound for the Red Sox will be left-hander Kyle Harrison, making his second start. Conversely, the Tigers will send right-hander Casey Mize to the hill. Mize has a record of 14-6 this season with a 3.91 ERA.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora emphasized the importance of this game for his team. “We know what we need to do. It’s going to be at Fenway Park,” he stated. “We have our fans, and we feel good at home.”

The matchup will be broadcast on Apple TV, and radio coverage will be provided by WEEI-FM 93.7. Notably, the Red Sox lineup has some standout performances against Mize, with infielder Wilyer Abreu boasting a .500 average against him.

Statistically, Trevor Story is also making headlines, being just four RBIs away from his first 100-RBI season since 2018, which would mark only the second time in his career that he reaches this milestone.

With four games left in the regular season, the pressure is on the Red Sox to secure their playoff position. The Astros are playing against the Angels later in the evening, potentially impacting the playoff picture.