Red Sox’ Nick Pivetta to start Game 4 of ALCS vs. Astros opposite Zack Greinke

Tuesday will mark Pivetta’s first career postseason start. He was available to be used out of the bullpen on Monday, but a nine-run blowout in favor of the Red Sox did not necessitate such a move.

The Canadian-born right-hander has undertaken a pivotal role within the Boston bullpen so far this October — even going back to the final game of the regular season against the Nationals in D.C. on Oct. 3.

Through two relief appearances in these playoffs, both of which came against the Rays in the American League Division Series, Pivetta has put up a 3.12 ERA and 4.67 FIP to go along with 11 strikeouts to three walks over 8 2/3 total innings of work.

While the Sox dropped Game 1 of the ALDS to the Rays at Tropicana Field, Pivetta was able to provide his club with 4 2/3 solid innings in relief of starter Eduardo Rodriguez, which allowed them to preserve the rest of their bullpen.

In Game 3 last Sunday, Pivetta’s name was called upon once again. This time around, the 28-year-old took over in the 10th inning of a 4-4 game and proceeded to hurl four scoreless frames of relief before Christian Vazquez walked it off in the bottom half of the 13th.

Pivetta earned his first-ever postseason win for his efforts last weekend, as he had just thrown 8 2/3 innings and 140 pitches (90 strikes) in two different cities within the span of 72 hours.

As he prepares for what will be his first start in a league championship series, Pivetta will be working on eight days rest come Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-5, 214 pounder last faced the Astros in Houston back on June 2 and held them to two runs on three hits, two walks, and nine strikeouts in six innings, though he was ultimately charged with the loss.

Opposing Pivetta in Game 4 will be Astros right-hander Zack Greinke, who will also be making his first start of the postseason after only making one appearance as a reliever in Game 3 of the ALDS against the White Sox.

With all that being said, first pitch from Fenway Park on Tuesday is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. eastern time on FS1. The Red Sox are just two wins away from advancing to the World Series.