The Boston Red Sox took over first place in the American League East on Wednesday evening when they defeated the San Diego Padres 7-2 and the Toronto Blue Jays fell to the New York Yankees 2-0.
That sets up a weekend series at Rogers Centre with plenty on the line. The Red Sox hold a one game lead over the Blue Jays, a two game lead over the Orioles, and a four game lead over the red hot Yankees. The Blue Jays currently hold the top wild card spot, the Orioles hold the second wild card spot, with the Tigers only one game out of a playoff spot, and the Yankees two behind the Orioles. The Astros are 2.5 out, with the Royals and Mariners still holding out some hope for a late season surge.
The Red Sox have 23 games remaining, all against American League East foes and 20 of them against the Blue Jays, Orioles, or Yankees. They will follow the series in Canada with a seven home stand against the Orioles and Yankees.
Rick Porcello (19-3) will start the series opener for the Red Sox against Marco Estrada. Porcello will be trying to become the first pitcher in baseball to record 20 wins in 2016. The game can be seen live on NESN at 7:07 PM.
Eduardo Rodriguez is coming off his best outing of the season. Rodriguez will go up against the Blue Jays lefty J.A. Happ on Saturday afternoon. The game can be seen nationally on Fox at 1;05 PM. The series finale will feature a Clay Buchholz/Aaron Sanchez matchup. Sanchez and Happ have been the Jays best this season. The game on Sunday can be seen live at 1:07 PM on NESN.
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