The Yankees and Red Sox are sitting atop the AL East standings with a four-game set looming in the Bronx next weekend, and both clubs have adjusted their starting staffs for the crucial series.
Thursday's series opener will feature young versus old with Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58) squaring off against John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12), who hasn't faced the Yankees since 2006.
Friday night will be ex-teammates A.J. Burnett (10-5, 3.89) and Josh Beckett (13-4, 3.27) for the third time this season.
Saturday will be last season's biggest offseason name CC Sabathia (10-7, 3.83) going against this summer's biggest rumored deadline prospect Clay Buchholz (1-1, 3.52).
And the series finale on Sunday will be a battle of lefties with Andy Pettitte (8-6, 4.51) facing Jon Lester (9-7, 3.90).
