Red Sox Face Elimination in Crucial Game 3 Against Yankees

BOSTON, Mass. — After a crushing defeat in Game 2, the Boston Red Sox find themselves under pressure heading into Thursday night’s pivotal Game 3 against the New York Yankees. A victory would allow them to advance to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series, while a loss would mean elimination.

The Red Sox must rely on every player, especially their left-handed hitters, to turn the tide. Manager Alex Cora‘s team has a challenging task ahead but history may offer some hope. Since the best-of-three wild card format was introduced in 2022, teams that won Game 1 have boasted an impressive 18-2 record in the wild card round.

Right-handed pitcher Cam Schlittler is slated to start for the Yankees, prompting Cora to emphasize the importance of his lefty bats. Nathaniel Lowe, who joined the team after a stint with the Nationals, is one player to watch. Not only is he playing for a victory, but he’s also hoping to secure a spot on the Red Sox’s 2026 Opening Day roster.

Lowe became a Red Sox player after being released by the Nationals on August 14. He previously won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023, and since joining Boston, he has recorded a slash line of .280/.370/.420 over 34 games. In contrast, he struggled with the Nationals, hitting just .216/.292/.373 in 119 games.

As Boston navigates through October, Lowe’s performance could be crucial, especially since Triston Casas‘s breakout season has yet to occur. The Red Sox must avoid scrambling to replace the often-injured Casas and keeping Lowe on the roster could provide reliable left-handed depth.

However, the pressure is on Lowe, who has yet to make a significant impact in the playoff series. He went 0-3 in Game 1 and Game 2, with a significant double play in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s loss. Despite his potential for improvement, Lowe must demonstrate his capability to contribute to the team’s success in the playoffs.

Fans can expect to see Lowe in the lineup against a righty on Thursday night. The 30-year-old has a lot to prove if he hopes to remain part of the Red Sox’s plans heading into 2026. Failure to perform may lead him back to the free agent market.