Red Sox aim for sweep as Patrick Sandoval returns Thursday
The Boston Red Sox can complete a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday at 2:10 p.m. ET in Game 91 at Rate Field. Boston has won the first five games of its nine-game road trip and 10 of its last 12, and Patrick Sandoval makes his long-awaited Red Sox debut against Anthony Kay. The lefty-on-lefty matinee closes a series both clubs have treated as a benchmark test.
This red sox white sox finale caps a series that Over the Monster framed as a measuring stick for both clubs. The White Sox sit at 47-44 in AL Central contention, while Boston is 42-48 but surging after winning four of its last six series. For more breaking coverage, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
Key Takeaways
- Boston can clinch a sweep after winning the series' first two games; Chicago had not scored over its previous 11 innings.
- Patrick Sandoval starts for Boston in his first MLB appearance since June 21, 2024, following Tommy John surgery.
- Anthony Kay (6-3, 4.29 ERA) opposes Sandoval as the White Sox try to avoid a sweep at Rate Field.
- Willson Contreras and Anthony Seigler exited Wednesday with injuries; Contreras is out of Thursday's lineup.
- The Red Sox have opened a nine-game road trip with five straight wins ahead of the All-Star break.
Why does this Red Sox–White Sox matinee matter?
Boston is riding its best stretch of the season. The Red Sox have won 10 of their last 12 and taken four of their last six series, going 5-2-1 in their last seven road series. Third baseman Caleb Durbin told reporters the clubhouse energy has shifted: "Man, we're having fun."
For Chicago, avoiding a sweep keeps momentum in a surprising season. The White Sox entered July in first place in the AL Central despite three straight 100-loss campaigns, and The Boston Globe noted their offense had gone quiet over the previous 11 innings.
Who is starting for the Red Sox and White Sox?
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval gets the ball for Boston in his 2026 debut — his first major league game in more than two years. He last pitched June 21, 2024, before Tommy John surgery and other setbacks. The Globe reported Sandoval is 0-3 with a 7.63 ERA in three career starts against Chicago.
Anthony Kay counters for the White Sox at 6-3 with a 4.29 ERA. Kay is seeking his first win since June 12 and has failed to go beyond four innings in three of his last four starts, per Globe notes. Yahoo Sports listed the matchup as Red Sox (42-48) at White Sox (47-44), with Chicago trying to avoid a sweep.
Which injuries shaped Thursday's lineups?
Wednesday's win came with a cost. Willson Contreras left with a left foot contusion and Anthony Seigler with a right trapezius contusion in the third inning. Interim manager Chad Tracy said Contreras could put weight on his foot; Contreras called it day-to-day but was not in Thursday's lineup.
Brett Harris was called up from Triple-A Worcester to start at first base and bat eighth. Seigler remained in the lineup at second. Former Red Sox prospect Chase Meidroth, part of the Garrett Crochet trade, leads off for Chicago.
What time is first pitch and where to watch?
First pitch is 2:10 p.m. ET at Rate Field in Chicago. TV coverage is on NESN with radio on WEEI-FM 93.7. Boston's lineup: Seigler 2B, Rafaela CF, Abreu RF, Gonzalez DH, Durbin 3B, Monasterio SS, Eaton LF, Harris 1B, Wong C. Chicago counters with Meidroth 2B, Grichuk DH, Vargas 1B, Montgomery 3B, Perez CF, Antonacci LF, Montgomery RF, Acuna SS, Romo C.