It's been a good couple months since the Red Sox last took on the Indians in late May, and even longer since the same team sent them to 0-6 to start the year.
For the Red Sox, those two months have been excellent. After putting up a 16-9 record in June, the Sox actually managed to improve in july, going an incredible 20-6--a better month than the team has seen in years. There has been some bad news personnel-wise, but through it all, the Sox have kept on winning.
For the Indians, things haven't been nearly so good. Their 32-20 start to the year has largely been squandered by a 21-32 record in the two months since. Now, at 53-52, the Indians are 2.5 games behind the Tigers in the A.L. Central. The team is not oblivious, however. They knew they were struggling, but also knew they were still in the playoff hunt, and that anything can happen in October. So they've brought in some help, trading for Ubaldo Jimenez and Kosuke Fukudome in the hopes of finishing strong.
For now, though, neither team will go all-out. The Red Sox will hold Jon Lester in reserve for the series against the Yankees, while the Indians will wait until Friday to debut their new starter.
Boston Red Sox Vs. Cleveland Indians
Monday, August 1, 7:10 p.m.
NESN/ESPN
John Lackey (9-8, 6.20 ERA) vs. Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.01 ERA)
Tuesday, August 2, 7:10 p.m.
NESN
Josh Beckett (9-4, 2.17 ERA) David Huff (1-1, 0.71 ERA)
Wednesday, August 3, 7:10 p.m.
NESN
Tim Wakefield (6-4, 5.06 ERA) vs. Carlos Carrasco (8-9, 4.67 ERA)
Thursday, August 4, 7:10 p.m.
NESN
Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.45 ERA) vs. Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.56 ERA)
For more Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.