Red Sox Face Twins in Three-Game Series at Fenway Park

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park Friday night to open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. The game is set to start at 7:10 p.m. and can be watched on NESN.

The Red Sox are coming off a 3-3 road trip, which included two losses to the Toronto Blue Jays, where the bullpen struggled to protect late leads. On Thursday, Justin Slaten allowed a three-run homer to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the eighth inning, overshadowing a strong performance from Tanner Houck, who pitched seven innings with only one run allowed.

Brayan Bello will take the mound for the Red Sox, stepping in for Walker Buehler, who was placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Bello has demonstrated solid form, boasting a 2-0 record with a 3.27 ERA this season. He last pitched six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing three runs.

In roster news, the Red Sox activated catcher Connor Wong from the 10-day injured list, and he is expected to bat seventh in the lineup.

The Twins enter the series struggling, having lost three consecutive games to the Cleveland Guardians, including a tough 4-3 defeat in 10 innings. Despite a strong performance where they outhit Cleveland 13-6, Minnesota’s pitching has allowed 10 runs in their past three games. Right-hander Joe Ryan will start for the Twins, coming off a stellar outing against the Angels, where he struck out 11 in seven scoreless innings.

Here’s a look at the expected lineups for both teams:

TWINS (13-19): Trevor Larnach LF, Byron Buxton CF, Brooks Lee 3B, Carlos Correa SS, Ty France 1B, Edouard Julien 2B, Ryan Jeffers C, Mickey Gasper DH, Harrison Bader RF. Pitching: RHP Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.18 ERA)

RED SOX (17-16): Jarren Duran LF, Rafael Devers DH, Alex Bregman 3B, Wilyer Abreu RF, Trevor Story SS, Triston Casas 1B, Connor Wong C, David Hamilton 2B, Ceddanne Rafaela CF. Pitching: RHP Brayan Bello (2-0, 3.27 ERA)

The game marks an essential part of the Red Sox’s efforts to improve their season as they face a determined Twins team looking to bounce back. Fans can anticipate an exciting matchup as both teams aim to shift their momentum.