MLB playoffs 2018: Red Sox surprise Yankees with big change for Game 3 of ALDS

The Red Sox announced they will start Nathan Eovaldi in Game 3 of the ALDS, with Rick Porcello getting pushed back to Game 4

Watch video

NEW YORK — Yankees hitters better start watching different tape.

The Red Sox changed plans, announcing that Nathan Eovaldi would start in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Monday at Yankee Stadium.

He’s flipping spots with Rick Porcello, who will start Game 4 on Tuesday.

“I found out (Saturday) night once we had landed that I was going to start Game 3,” Eovaldi said in a press conference at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

“(Boston manager Alex Cora) had already told me ahead of time, like prepare as if I’m going to start Game 3 but expect Game 4. Just the fact that we faced the Yankees so many times, if you’re not prepared for them now, you’re in trouble. I feel like I’m prepared for them.”

Judge: Yankee Stadium is huge for us

Though it’s a change, the Yankees should be plenty familiar with Eovaldi. The right-hander pitched in 2015 and 2016 for the Yankees. He needed Tommy John surgery in 2016, the Yankees let him go in the offseason, and he rehabbed all of 2017 with the Rays.

What does Cora expect from Eovaldi? He at first joked.

“Seven innings, two hits, one run,” Cora said of Eovaldi, who had a 3.33 ERA and a 3-3 in 12 games (11 starts) after the Red Sox acquired him from Tampa Bay midseason.

“Just his stuff. We know he’s going to be throwing hard. He’s going to mix it up. He’s had success against them. Seems like he’s a good matchup. Obviously in the playoffs, game planning is a big part of it. They’re going to be ready. But we will, too. … He can get away with mistakes. When you throw 100 and you put it in the right spot … “

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.