Red Sox-Guardians lineups, preview for September 22, 2026

It will be a matchup of lefthanders for the opener, with Payton Tolle getting the nod for the Sox. The Guardians will counter with Parker Messick.

Here is a preview.

GUARDIANS (81-75): Kwan CF, Ramirez 3B, DeLauter RF, Adell DH, Martinez LF, Fry 1B, Bazzana 2B, Hedges C, Rocchio SS

Pitching: LHP Parker Messick (12-9, 2.57 ERA)

RED SOX (84-72): Anthony LF, Sogard 1B, Jones DH, Abreu RF, Rutschman C, Durbin 3B, Monasterio 2B, Kiner-Falefa SS, Eaton CF

Pitching: LHP Payton Tolle (9-6, 3.02 ERA)

Time: 6:45 p.m.

TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7

Guardians vs. Tolle: Has not faced any Cleveland batters

Red Sox vs. Messick: Wilyer Abreu 1-3, Roman Anthony 2-3, Willson Contreras 0-2, Jarren Duran 1-3, Caleb Durbin 0-1, Nate Eaton 2-2, Jahmai Jones 1-5, Isiah Kiner-Falefa 1-2, Andruw Monasterio 1-2, Nick Sogard 0-2, Trevor Story 1-2, Connor Wong 1-3

Stat of the day: Since Aug. 31, 13 of the Red Sox’ 19 games have been decided by three runs or fewer (8-5 record), including 10 by two runs or fewer (6-4 record) and six one-run games (4-2 record).

Notes: Tolle is facing the Guardians for the first time. He was on track to face the Rays last weekend, but was pushed back as the Sox appear to be lining up their rotation for the Wild Card Series that starts on Sept. 29. … Messick has a 4.15 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox. … The Guardians went 10-20 in coming out of the All-Star break and were a season-high five games under .500 (61-66), but have gone 20-9 since. … The Red Sox will celebrate fans with special giveaways, ticket promotions, and experiences during the final six home games. “Golden Tickets” will be placed underneath random seats allowing fans who have tickets for that seat to receive exclusive items. … The club is celebrating Japanese heritage on Tuesday. More information on the club’s Cultural & Identity Celebrations can be found at redsox.com/celebrations.

Follow Andrew Mahoney @GlobeMahoney.