New York @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2014 ) Boston 8, NY Yankees 5

The Boston Red Sox team that hosts the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series on Friday will look like a very different club than the one that ended the day on Wednesday. The Red Sox went to full-on sale mode at Thursday’s trade deadline, sending away top two starters Jon Lester and John Lackey while setting themselves up for 2015. The Yankees are still going for it in 2014 and even completed a rare trade with rival Boston.

New York picked up disappointing shortstop Stephen Drew from the Red Sox just prior to the deadline and will move the veteran to second base while Derek Jeter stays at shortstop. The Yankees, who are in third place in the American League East after dropping four of their last five, made a number of smaller moves to bolster the offense and add some versatility on defense, bringing in Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Drew to join Chase Headley in a rebuilt infield. Boston, which sits firmly in last place in the AL East, sent away Lester in exchange for Oakland All-Star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes while also letting go of Lackey, Jonny Gomes, Drew and left-hander Andrew Miller.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LHP Chris Capuano (1-1, 4.30 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Anthony Ranaudo (NA)

Capuano is another part of New York’s in-season rebuilding effort and is pitching against his former team after being designated for assignment by Boston in June. The veteran made his first appearance for the Yankees on Saturday and held Toronto to two runs on five hits and four walks in six innings without factoring in the decision. Capuano is making his second straight start after serving as a reliever with the Red Sox.

Ranaudo is being recalled to make his major-league debut in place of Lackey, who was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder/first baseman Allen Craig and right-hander Joe Kelly. Ranaudo is 12-4 with a 2.41 ERA in 21 starts for Triple-A Pawtucket this season after making the Double-A All-Star game in 2013. The LSU product is one of several prospects who figures to get a long look down the stretch.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox received INF Kelly Johnson from the Yankees in exchange for Drew.

2. New York will clear room for Drew to play everyday by designating veteran 2B Brian Roberts for assignment.

3. Boston also picked up an extra draft pick in the Lester deal, getting Oakland’s competitive balance pick in the 2015 draft.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Red Sox 4