New York @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 19, 2013 ) NY Yankees 2, Boston 4

The Boston Red Sox keep losing relievers, but it won’t matter as long as the top-ranked offense and the strong starting pitching continue to produce. The Red Sox vie for a series-clinching win on Saturday when they host the rival New York Yankees. Boston has lost three relievers to season-ending injuries but remains 2 1/2 games clear of the pack in the American League East.

The Yankees know all about injuries and just placed captain Derek Jeter back on the 15-day disabled list with a quad strain. The lack of offensive firepower doomed New York in the series opener, when it managed five hits in a 4-2 loss. The Red Sox placed reliever Andrew Bailey on the DL with what is likely a season-ending shoulder injury, but still received strong work from the back of the bullpen. They also showed off the plan for the rest of the season with a pair of home runs and a dominating starting performance.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (8-6, 2.65 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH John Lackey (7-6, 2.78)

Kuroda has not allowed a run in 12 total innings over his last two starts and has surrendered two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six turns. The Japanese right-hander has not gotten much offensive support and has only two wins in his last nine starts despite a 2.64 ERA. Kuroda has faced Boston twice in 2013 and has been knocked around for five runs on 12 hits in 6 2/3 combined frames.

Lackey has yielded two or fewer runs in six straight starts, venturing at least seven innings in each of those turns. The veteran right-hander issued a season-high four walks against the Athletics on July 12 but limited the damage to two runs. Lackey has not faced New York this season and owns an 8-9 record with a 4.68 ERA in 23 career starts against the Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Shane Victorino exited Friday's contest with a hamstring injury. He is considered day-to-day with the ailment.

2. OF Zoilo Almonte (sprained left ankle) became the latest Yankee to hit the DL after suffering the injury in the series opener.

3. Yahoo! Sports reported that Boston is in talks with 2B Dustin Pedroia on a $100 million contract extension.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Yankees 2