New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Rick Porcello

After a slug-fest in Minnesota, the Yankees will look to continue their offensive success while finding a solution for their starting pitching. The trade deadline is quickly approaching and the Yankees could very well upgrade their starting staff this weekend while playing their biggest rival.

The importance of this series can’t go understated, The Bombers, who are 11 games ahead of Boston, could essentially bury the Red Sox before the calendar turns to August. You can never count out any contending team in baseball especially the reigning champions, but a series win would make for one comfortable lead.

As the Yankees enter into Boston for a four-game series they will lean on Masahiro Tanaka hoping for some length after the bullpen has recently been taxed. He will look to improve on a lopsided outing where he cruised for the first five innings before melting down in the sixth. Tanaka also looks to bounce back against the Red Sox, last facing them in London, pitching for a total of two outs. Anything close to a performance like he had in the ALDS, Tanaka’s last outing in Boston, would be a great start for the Yankees to this series.

With the Yankees’ offense currently on fire, running into Rick Porcello is even more good news. Porcello has allowed four or more runs in all of his last five outings, one of them being against the Yankees in London. This rematch of game one of the London Series might not produce as much offense, but both pitcher for sure are looking forward to facing each other in the States. They both know how big this game is and could bring out the best in each pitcher.

Tonight’s game can be seen on YES, MLB.tv, and fubo.tv, or heard on WFAN or WADO. First pitch will be at 7:10 PM EST. Lets Go Yankees!