Annual Patriots' Day 11:10 a.m. start time with the Boston Marathon also ongoing (back the Kenyan in that). The Sox have a very good record overall in these games and they should with the unusual start -- many times, this would be the finale of a series, but the Guardians had to travel in yesterday. Their bullpen might be thin after using several guys Sunday in an extra-inning win over the Yankees following a doubleheader on Saturday. Boston starter Kutter Crawford has been terrific with a 0.57 ERA and Rafael Devers is back in the lineup this morning after missing a few games.

Kutter Crawford is not Cy Young. His numbers this year would make you think he is. Got some real gift calls from the umps last time out, he doesn't get much swing and miss and gets no chase. He's an extreme ground ball pitcher who has shoddy IF defense behind him. Naylor sees the righty really well with 3 hits in 5 ABS. Naylor is locked in with 7 RBI in 7 games and 12 in 15. Guardians offensive approach much improved thus far. The Poster Boy for BoSox new "Just throw Breaking Balls" philosophy will be in trouble once adjustments are made, as his rotation mates have found lately. That process has begun.

Kutter Crawford is in the top 8% of starters with a .135 xBA, .199 xSLG and .199 wOBA. His best pitch last year was the sweeper he debuted in June, and in 2024 he's upped its usage from 6.7% to 35%. It's an early start time at 11:10 am ET, but Boston gets to sleep at home tonight, while Cleveland has to travel after an extra-innings game.