The Red Sox can win the series against the Blue Jays this afternoon (1:35 p.m., NESN) behind Tanner Houck after a loss Wednesday that saw them fall into second place and back to .500.
Houck looks to follow up a great start last time out against the Twins, during which he gave up no runs over 5 2⁄3 innings. With Nick Pivetta struggling mightily, Houck needs to turn in more performances like that if the Sox are going to contend. Of course, against these Blue Jays, it’s never easy.
Kevin Gausman is on the hill for Toronto, back in the AL East after fleeing Baltimore for more competitive pastures.