Red Sox tab right-hander Eovaldi to start Game 3 vs. Yankees

The Boston Red Sox selected right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to start Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, manager Alex Cora announced Sunday.

The Boston Red Sox selected right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to start Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, manager Alex Cora announced Sunday.

Eovaldi got the call for Monday's game over right-hander Rick Porcello, who pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief in Game 1.

"Rick pitched that inning on Monday, so we felt like one more day is going to benefit him if we stay away from him," Cora said during a press conference. "Nate hasn't pitched in a while. He's rested, had a good week, and we're going with him."

Eovaldi last pitched on Sept. 29 when he tossed two innings against New York, giving up one run and striking out four. He had good success against the Yankees this season by going 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in four starts.

The 28-year-old, who went 6-7 with a 3.81 ERA this season, is relishing the opportunity.

"Yeah, obviously, this is my first postseason start. I'm excited," Eovaldi said told the assembled media. "This is what we play for, coming out of spring training and preparing for this moment. I'm excited, ready to go. It's definitely probably the most important game I've ever pitched in."

Eovaldi will oppose Yankees right-hander Luis Severino, who pitched four shutout innings with seven strikeouts in Wednesday's wild-card victory over the Oakland Athletics. The 24-year-old Severino was 2-2 with a 3.56 ERA in five starts against the Red Sox this season.

"They have a good lineup, so I have to go in there with my good stuff trying to go the deepest I possibly can," Severino said during his press conference. "Last time I went four innings. This time I want to try to get to seven and then let the bullpen do their job."

Also, the status of Boston first baseman Mitch Moreland may not be cleared up until Monday. He departed Saturday's game with a hamstring injury and was working with the training staff on Sunday.

"He's getting treatment, aggressive treatment," Cora said. "We'll know a little bit more after all his rounds of whatever, steam and all that stuff he goes on."

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