Boston @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2018 ) Boston 6, Chi. White Sox 1

The Boston Red Sox continue to run away with the best record in baseball and own a 7 1/2-game lead over the rival New York Yankees in the American League East. The Red Sox will try to clinch another series win and subtract one from their magic number to clinch the division when they visit the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in the finale of a four-game series.

Boston did not go out and trade for a former MVP before the end of August like the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians, but the players they had coming back off the disabled list and up from the minors on Sep. 1 already proved to be a big help. Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (ankle) made his first start since July on Saturday and struck out 12 in 5 2/3 innings, and his healthy return should help stabilize the rotation while Chris Sale (shoulder) and David Price (wrist) recover from minor injuries. The White Sox are well out of the race but are still trying to play spoiler and took two of three from New York before dropping two of the first three to the Red Sox. Chicago will send veteran James Shields to the mound on Sunday looking for a split while Boston counters with lefty Brian Johnson.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (4-3, 4.02 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (5-15, 4.54)

Johnson is keeping a rotation spot warm for Sale or Price but not working deep into games in his latest stint as a starter. The Florida native went 4 1/3 innings against Miami on Tuesday and did not factor in the decision while allowing one run on five hits and a walk. Johnson is making his first career appearance against Chicago and is 2-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 13 games - four starts - on the road in 2018.

Shields owns one win in his last eight starts and struggled with his control at New York on Tuesday when he issued four walks while allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings. The 36-year-old is having some trouble keeping the ball in the park and has yielded 12 home runs over his last seven outings. Shields owns plenty of history against the Red Sox, building up a 9-14 record with a 4.40 ERA in 28 career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia (knee) left Saturday's game and is day-to-day.

2. Red Sox INF Eduardo Nunez has homered in three of his last five games to bring his season total to 10.

3. Price is likely to sit out at least another four games before returning to the Boston rotation.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, White Sox 4