Red Sox vs. Phillies: Live Stream, Injuries, Pitching Matchups, Fantasy Preview

The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies will head into a marquee weekend series looking to build some much-needed momentum. Both teams have performed well below expectations this season, leading to frustration throughout two diehard fanbases.

Boston currently sits in the AL East basement with a 17-20 record. The Red Sox also started slow last season, but with the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays hanging around longer than most people expected, they can't avoid to keep slumping for much longer.

Things aren't going any better for the Phillies. Philadelphia also finds itself in last place despite a recent hot streak. While injuries have played a major role in the team's offensive struggles, the pitching staff hasn't been as dominant in the early going.

Here's a look at all the key information for Friday's series opener as both teams hope to get their seasons turned around.

When: Friday, May 18 at 7:05 p.m. ET

Where: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.

Watch: NESN (Boston), CSN (Philadelphia) or MLB Network

Live Stream: MLB.tv

Injury report (via CBS Sports)

Red Sox: Carl Crawford (out, wrist/elbow), Jacoby Ellsbury (out, shoulder), Darnell McDonald (out, lat), Kevin Youkilis (rehab, back) and Andrew Bailey (out, thumb)

Phillies: Placido Polanco (questionable, knee), Jim Thome (out, back), Chase Utley (out, knee) and Ryan Howard (out, Achilles)

Starting for Boston: Daniel Bard

Bard's transition to the starting rotation hasn't gone as smoothly as the Red Sox were expecting when they made the decision to remove him from his set-up role. He's given up at least four runs in half his starts, leading to a lackluster ERA of 4.30.

The biggest reason for his struggles has been a lack of strikeouts. He averaged more than a strikeout per inning during his time in the bullpen, but hasn't been able to carry over that type of production to the rotation (5.5 per nine). Add in a lack of control, and inconsistent reigns supreme.

A matchup against the injury-depleted Phillies offense will give Bard a good chance to start finding his groove. If he doesn't show signs of improvement soon, Boston may have to rethink its plans.

Starting for Philadelphia: Cole Hamels

A steady rise over the past five years has transformed Hamels from a reliable starter into an elite one. He's been more untouchable than ever this season, leading to a 2.28 ERA and a team-high five victories through seven starts.

His strong performance couldn't have come at a better time as his contract is up after the season, setting him up for a gigantic deal since he's still just 28. The Phillies will do everything in their power to keep him, but he'll have no shortage of suitors if he hits the open market.

Hamels hasn't given up more than three earned runs in any start and that's a trend that should continue against the Red Sox. Every good start makes the price tag go up a little bit more.

Red Sox's fantasy studs

Adrian Gonzalez

Even though Gonzalez hasn't lived up to his usual high standards so far this season, he's still a must-start fantasy first baseman. He has started showing signs of ending the slump, so it's only a matter of time before he kicks it into he gear.

His average sits at just .279, nearly 60 points below last season. A lot of that has to do with a lack of depth in Boston's lineup with players like Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury out. If the Red Sox can get healthy, Gonzalez will have less pressure on his shoulders and should settle in.

Dustin Pedroia

Pedroia has established himself as one of the league's most consistent players, and that's mostly because his scrappy style allows him to avoid extended slumps. He's hitting .310 with five home runs and 18 runs batted in.

Since second base is a traditionally weak position, Pedroia's production might be even more valuable to fantasy owners than the Red Sox. As for now, he'll have to keep carrying the Boston offense because the team can't afford to stay at the bottom.

Phillies' fantasy studs

Carlos Ruiz

Ruiz has been one of this season's early fantasy surprises. At a top-heavy catcher position, he's provided some terrific production despite going undrafted in many leagues. He's hitting .343 with seven home runs to keep the Phillies offense afloat.

He's never had more than nine HRs in a full season, so the power surge has been a pleasant surprise. If he can continue to play at a high level once Philadelphia's big sluggers return, the Phillies should be in line for an extended hot streak.

Juan Pierre

Pierre wasn't even on the fantasy radar heading into the season, but he's earned consistent playing time in left field for the Phillies. The speedy veteran is hitting .340 with six stolen bases and should continue to start as long as he keeps producing.

While his batting average will eventually drop a bit, the stolen base numbers should remain high. That makes him a valuable fantasy commodity, especially with so many speed outfielders on the disabled list, like the aforementioned Crawford and Ellsbury.

Prediction

Red Sox 3, Phillies 2