Boston @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2013 ) Boston 4, Toronto 2

An injury to Josh Johnson has forced the Toronto Blue Jays to shuffle their rotation as they resume their three-game series with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night. Esmil Rogers gets the call for the Blue Jays, who rallied to tie Tuesday's series opener but surrendered Shane Victorino's two-run double in the 11th inning en route to a 4-2 defeat. The win moved Boston four games clear of Tampa Bay atop the American League East.

While Toronto slogs through the dog days of August, the Red Sox remain the team to beat in the AL. They'll be even more dangerous if left-hander Jon Lester returns to form following back-to-back subpar starts earlier in the month. Toronto would love a quality outing as it needed seven relievers to throw 5 2/3 innings Tuesday night - and Rogers could use the confidence as he seeks his first win in 10 starts.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Jon Lester (10-7, 4.37 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Esmil Rogers (3-7, 5.12)

Lester has not had a strong start to the month, surrendering nine runs over 11 1/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals. The 29-year-old defeated the Blue Jays earlier in the season, throwing seven solid innings in a 7-4 triumph back on June 27. Lester is 14-7 lifetime against Toronto, with a 3.67 ERA and 146 strikeouts over 166 2/3 innings.

Rogers was moved into Wednesday's starting role after Johnson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm. Rogers will make the start on four days rest but should be fresh after lasting just three innings in his last encounter, surrendering seven runs on as many hits in a loss to the Oakland Athletics. Rogers was at his best in his last outing against Boston, limiting it to six hits over six shutout innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston leads the season series 9-5.

2. Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista is 11-for-52 with four home runs against Lester.

3. Rogers has a 7.13 ERA in nine starts since his last win June 18 against Colorado.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 2