The rivals face off for the last time this season with Ivan Nova (6-9, 4.87 ERA) taking on Eduardo Rodriguez (9-6, 3.97 ERA) to open things up. Nova was originally moved to the pen, but with Masahiro Tanaka going down he moves back into the rotation. In his last start against the Blue Jays, he gave up one run on four hits through 5 2/3 innings. His offense put up a goose egg, so he took the loss. He is 3-5 in his 11 career games (10 starts) against Boston.
Rodriguez gave up three runs on six hits through six against the Rays his last time out taking a no decision.