Red Sox-Yankees Rainout Likely to Alter the Future Plans for Both Teams

The postponement of the Friday night game between the Red Sox and Yankees presents a pair of scenarios that can either hurt or help Boston's cause.

Jon Lester, who was scheduled to start Friday, will now go Saturday. If not for the rainout, he would have been lined up to pitch the regular season finale Wednesday in Baltimore, a game the Sox might need to win to either clinch a playoff spot or force a play-in game.

Now, Lester would have to come back on short rest for that start, something Terry Francona was hoping to avoid. Because of the now-condensed nature of the schedule, the only current starter that will be on regular rest that day will be Kyle Weiland, who would probably get the nod if the game meant nothing in the standings.

Francona indicated Friday night that he is prepared to use Lester on short rest, but hopes he doesn't have to be in that situation.

After Lester starts Saturday, Tim Wakefield and John Lackey will go Sunday for Boston. Those games are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

One benefit for the Sox of playing two games in one day is that they will probably play against two makeshift Yankees lineups. With nothing left to play for except maybe a chance to clinch home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs (New York entered Friday leading Detroit and Texas by five games), manager Joe Girardi will take it easy on his troops.

Francona will have to mix and match as well, but will be less reluctant to rest his regulars in games the Red Sox need.