CC Sabathia will pitch in the series opener Tuesday against John Lackey. Phil Hughes will pitch Wednesday night opposite Josh Beckett. The finale will see the struggling A.J. Burnett squaring off with Jon Lester.
On paper, the Red Sox have a definitive edge in the final two matchups. They may even boast one in the opener if Sabathia's recent history against Boston continues. The Yankees ace is 0-4 with a 7.20 ERA against the Red Sox in 2011. He's 17-3 with a 2.40 mark against all others.
Hughes, who owns an 8.83 ERA in seven career appearances at Fenway Park, has been up and down since rejoining the rotation last month. After going 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA over a three-start span, he gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings against Oakland his last time out.
That's small potatoes compared to Burnett’s issues. The right-hander has gone 10 outings without a quality start. He has been pounded for 16 runs in only 6 2/3 innings his last two starts.
Boston owns a 10-2 lead in the season series between the rivals. They meet once more in New York on the final full weekend of the regular season.
