BOSTON — Winners of seven of their last eight games, the Red Sox return home Friday from a successful road trip for what they hope will be an equally successful homestand.

On Friday, the series opener with Pittsburgh will be highlighted by a terrific pitching matchup. Lefty Payton Tolle, drafted just 13 months ago, will make his major league debut and will be opposed by arguably the best pitcher in the National League, Paul Skenes.

The Red Sox also made some roster moves prior to the game. To make room for the promotion of Tolle, the Red So released veteran righty Walker Buehler. Also, the team returned Jhostynxon Garcia to Worcester and added utility man Nick Sogard.

The Sox can use the switch-hitting Sogard at any number of infield positions. He’s in the lineup Friday and will lik

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