Red Sox at Blue Jays
The Boston Red Sox are suffering through a three-game losing streak and offense has been the biggest issue. The Red Sox will try to figure out a way to generate offense when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.
The Red Sox averaged 7.5 runs during an eight-game winning streak but totaled four runs in the last three games and had the potential go-ahead run thrown out at the plate in the ninth inning during Tuesday's 4-3, 10-inning setback. Most of the lineup is struggling but the problem is particularly glaring when it comes to J.D. Martinez, who is 0-for-11 with eight strikeouts over the last three games. The Blue Jays are in a bit of an offensive funk as well but leaned on Curtis Granderson Tuesday and watched the 37-year-old record three hits and three RBIs, including a walk-off solo home run in the 10th. The Red Sox will try to keep the hits to a minimum by sending Eduardo Rodriguez to the hill while Toronto opposes with righty Aaron Sanchez.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN Plus (Boston), Sportsnet One, TVA (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 3.45 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (1-2, 3.86)
Rodriguez got a late start on the regular season due to a stint on the disabled list to open the campaign but is fitting right in with a strong Boston staff since returning. The Venezuela native won each of his last two starts by allowing a combined three runs and eight hits over 12 frames and owns 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings pitched this season. Rodriguez made three appearances against Toronto last season and struck out 18 in 12 1/3 innings but also allowed five runs and 12 hits.
Sanchez enjoyed his third straight quality start on Thursday, when he held the New York Yankees to three runs and seven hits but came out on the losing end. The 25-year-old allowed three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in that turn and ended up with a 4-3 Blue Jays loss. Sanchez is 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 15 games - seven starts - in his career against the Red Sox.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (ankle) homered in a rehab start on Tuesday and could be back in the majors by Friday.
2. Toronto RHP Roberto Osuna allowed his first runs of the season on Tuesday.
3. Boston LF Andrew Benintendi is 0-of-11 with four strikeouts in the last three games.