After a tough homestand that saw the Boston Red Sox drop back-to-back series against the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies, the team is hitting the road for a six-game trip. First up: a weekend showdown with the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, kicking off Friday.

This isn't just any regular-season series—it's MLB Rivalry Weekend, and the history runs deep. The Braves originally called Boston home before relocating after the 1952 season, adding a layer of nostalgia to this interleague clash. Atlanta currently boasts the best record in the National League, so the Red Sox have their work cut out for them.

Boston revealed its rotation plans ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Phillies. Weather could shift things, but here's the projected lineup: Connelly Early gets the ball Friday, followed by Payton Tolle on Saturday. Sunday's starter is listed as TBD, but if the team's recent strategy holds, we could see an opener followed by Brayan Bello.

Early is riding a wave of momentum after his best start of the season—seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts against the Rays last Saturday. He'll face a tough test in former All-Star Spencer Strider, who's making just his third start of the year for Atlanta. Tolle, looking to bounce back from his second loss of the season, will square off against another one-time All-Star, Bryce Elder.

Sunday is shaping up to be Bello's turn, but the big question is whether he'll start or come in behind an opener, as he's done in his last two outings. The Braves will counter with Grant Holmes. With Early, Tolle, and Bello all throwing well lately, Boston has a solid chance to take the series—if the bats can get going.