New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: Domingo German vs. Chris Sale

Yeesh, what a brutal series so far. New York’s pitching has been downright awful, especially the Yankees’ starters. The offense hasn’t been terrible with 13 runs in the last three games, but the Red Sox’ bats have plated 38 runs in that span, which is obviously just too big a deficit. The Yankees still hold an eight-game lead in the AL East, so all is not lost. However, dropping another game today would make an already embarrassing series that much worse. Fending off the sweep won’t be an easy task, though.

Chris Sale will be on the mound for Boston this evening. After a poor post-All-Star break debut, Sale has been his typical self in his last two starts. In his last 12 innings, he’s struck out 22 hitters with only two earned runs against him. Sale’s line against the Yankees this season isn’t great—6.55 ERA in two starts, but don’t let a couple of poor starts during the first two months of the season put you at ease.

At this point in time, picking the best Yankee starter of the season seems a bit like an exercise in futility, but Domingo German is definitely in the conversation. Like everyone else on the staff, German was hit hard recently. In his outing against the Twins earlier this week, he only lasted 3.2 innings and gave up eight earned runs along the way. He was solid, however, in his other two starts since the break. Like the Twins, this Red Sox team is hitting the ball hard right now. German definitely has his work cut out for him today.

Offensively, the Yankees are running out a pretty typical lineup. Given that DJ LeMahieu is dealing with a groin strain, it’s no surprise to see him on the bench today. Cameron Maybin and Austin Romine are both back in action today after sitting yesterday. Here are the full lineups:

Tonight’s nationally-televised game starts at 7:05 EST. You can watch on ESPN or listen on WFAN.