Boston’s playoff hopes are all but dead, but if the Red Sox want any shot at sneaking into the postseason, they’ll have to sweep this weekend’s series against the Minnesota Twins.

That means taking care of business Friday night, when the Red Sox will hand the ball to a recently promoted rookie.

Richard Fitts will make his third MLB start since being called up earlier this month. The 24-year-old has so far thrown 10.2 innings without allowing an earned run to start his big league career, and he’ll look to keep that momentum going in Friday’s series opener.

He will face off against Minnesota’s David Festa, who comes in with a 2-6 record and 5.07 ERA.

Entering Friday Boston trails both Minnesota and Detroit by four games in the American League Wild Card standings, and the club is also two games behind Seattle. The Red Sox have nine games left to play.

Where: Fenway Park, Boston

Broadcast info: NESN, WEEI 93.7 FM, WCCM 1490 AM (Spanish)

Richard Fitts hasn’t allowed an earned run through his first two MLB starts. The rookie will look to continue that momentum into Friday’s must-win game against the Twins.{ai:summary}The Boston Red Sox face a critical series against the Minnesota Twins to keep their playoff hopes alive, needing a sweep to improve their position in the American League Wild Card standings. Rookie pitcher Richard Fitts, who has yet to allow an earned run in the MLB, will start the series opener.Currently, the Red Sox trail Minnesota and Detroit by four games and Seattle by two, with only nine games remaining in the season. The team aims to capitalize on Fitts’s strong performance as they fight for postseason contention. #sports

Red Sox lineups: Richard Fitts to start must-win game against Twins

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