The Red Sox return home for a 5 game homestand against the Tigers and Phillies.  They start off tonight, as Brian Johnson returns to the rotation.  Johnson is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA. Brian Johnson pitched a complete game shutout in his first career start at Fenway.  Can he do it again tonight?  Johnson came up to the majors when Eduardo Rodriguez went on  the 10 day disabled list with a knee injury.  Johnson made two spot starts earlier this season but may have a multiple-start run in the rotation if he continues to do well while E-Rod is hurt.  Johnson will face struggling veteran pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who is 5-4 with a 5.98 ERA.

In other news, Dustin Pedroia is expected to return for the series after going on the DL at the end of May.  The Red Sox have missed Pedroia.  Pablo Sandoval, Deven Marrero and Josh Rutledge have all failed to come through for the Sox lineup.  Luckily, either Marrero or Rutledge is likely headed for Pawtucket, and only one of them will have to start with Pedey playing second.

The Tigers have not had a good season for their standards.  After a strong start, they are now 29-30.  The Red Sox are 3 games out of first place but have just a 32-27 record.  This is the same team that made the ALDS in 2016.  I expect the Red Sox to win the series, as long as their pitching is up to par.  With Johnson, Sale and Pomeranz scheduled to start, I think that’s possible.  Johnson and Pomeranz have had strong starts and Sale is an absolute machine.

I will be at tonight’s game and I was able to get seats very close to field level.  Stay tuned for a recap on tonight’s game and more Red Sox articles.