Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.
TV coverage includes NESN and ABTV (Angels broadcast); streaming is available via Fubo and similar services.
Starting Pitchers
Angels: RHP Ryan Johnson (3-8, 5.17 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 58 K in 78.1 IP). The young right-hander has improved markedly in the second half (roughly 1.67 ERA over his last six starts covering ~32 IP, allowing two or fewer runs in five of those). Higher walk rate remains a concern, but recent form is encouraging against a strong Red Sox offense.
Red Sox: LHP Jake Bennett (9-6, 3.34 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 81 K in 99.2 IP). Excellent command (very low walk rate) and consistency. He previously handled the Angels well on July 3 (2 ER in 7.2 IP with 6 K). Boston has won in the majority of his starts since early July. Clear edge in overall numbers and experience.
Bennett holds a significant advantage in ERA, WHIP, command, and prior head-to-head success.
Venue and Weather
Fenway Park (Boston, MA). Forecast: Mostly cloudy to overcast, highs near 73–79°F with evening temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. South/southwest winds around 10–15 mph (gusts possible later). Low precipitation chance during game hours (showers more likely overnight); conditions should allow a full game without major delay risk. Typical late-summer Fenway environment—wind can influence fly balls toward the Monster or outfield.
Injury Reports
Angels:
Nolan Schanuel (1B): 10-day IL (side/intercostal; near return window).
Gustavo Campero (OF): 10-day IL (hamstring).
Sam Bachman (RP): 15-day IL (forearm).
George Klassen (SP): 15-day IL (back).
Longer-term: Yoán Moncada (3B, knee), Jack Kochanowicz (SP, elbow), Robert Stephenson (RP, elbow), Anthony Rendon (3B/hip)—mostly 60-day IL.
Red Sox:
Ceddanne Rafaela (CF): 10-day IL (quadriceps).
Willson Contreras (1B/C): 10-day IL (hamstring; progressing).
Curtis Mead (INF): 10-day IL (hand/wrist).
Masataka Yoshida (DH/OF): 10-day IL (hamstring).
Tayron Guerrero (RP) and Justin Slaten (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder/elbow).
Longer-term absences include Garrett Crochet (shoulder), Tanner Houck (elbow), Kutter Crawford (wrist), Triston Casas (knee), and others on 60-day IL.
Projected/recent lineups
Angels: Zach Neto (SS, recent 4-hit game), Mike Trout (OF when healthy/active), Wade Meckler, Josh Lowe, Vaughn Grissom, Jose Siri, and supporting cast.
Red Sox: Trevor Story (hot recently), Wilyer Abreu (power/extra bases), Nick Sogard (recent multi-hit stretch), Jarren Duran, and available infield/outfield pieces filling in for the injured group. Key active performers: Angels — Neto (~24 HR, recent multi-hit), Trout (if in lineup), Meckler (hot stretch). Red Sox — Abreu (doubles/power), Story (recent batting average surge), Sogard.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Johnson (RHP) vs. Red Sox lefties (Abreu and others) and right-handed contact/power (Story, Sogard). Johnson’s recent improved command will be tested by Boston’s strong OBP group.
Bennett (LHP) vs. Angels (Neto, Trout if active, right-handed bats). Prior success against this lineup (limited damage in July outing); Siri has a small-sample HR vs. him.
Fenway’s dimensions favor left-handed power and opposite-field contact. Both offenses can produce, but Red Sox depth and home park give them the edge if starters go deep.
Bullpens: Both dealing with absences; Red Sox depth remains stronger overall despite injuries.
Recent Team Forms
Angels (last 10: 3-7): .232 team AVG, strong 3.03 ERA in that span (pitching has been better than results). Won 6-1 on Tuesday behind Reid Detmers and Neto’s four hits, snapping some skids. Road record poor (25-46). Last in AL West; playing out the string but capable of spoiler wins.
Red Sox (last 10: 6-4): .235 team AVG, higher 5.40 ERA recently (outscored). Lost Tuesday 6-1 after winning the series opener and a prior stretch. Home record roughly even (36-35). Third in AL East / strong wild-card position; every win matters in the playoff race.
Series History
Current series: Split 1-1 (Red Sox won Monday 5-2; Angels won Tuesday 6-1). Full 2026 season series: Red Sox lead 4-1 entering this rubber match (sixth overall meeting). Historical edge to Boston in recent years at Fenway, though Angels have competitive showings.
Betting Trends
Red Sox strong favorites at home with the better pitcher and playoff motivation.
Angels capable of upsets when pitching clicks (as on Tuesday) and have covered as large underdogs.
Totals often land near the number at Fenway; recent series games were lower-scoring on one side.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Angels 9
Boston Red Sox – 205
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 8, 2026
