Entering Wednesday, the Red Sox are only a half-game behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East.

Sean Newcomb will look to help make sure Boston is atop the standings by evening’s end.

The Middleborough native will take the mound for his fifth start of the season as the Red Sox go for their third straight win Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners. Newcomb (0-2, 3.63) is slated to take on Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock (0-1, 12.71), with first pitch slated for a slightly earlier than usual 6:45 p.m.

Wilyer Abreu will remain in the cleanup spot with Triston Casas batting sixth, Romy Gonzalez will get the start at second base and Blake Sabol will start at catcher.

Red Sox lineup

Jarren Duran LF

Rafael Devers DH

Alex Bregman 3B

Wilyer Abreu RF

Trevor Story SS

Triston Casas 1B

Romy Gonzalez 2B

Blake Sabol C

Ceddanne Rafaela CF

Sean Newcomb P

How to watch

When: 6:45 p.m.

Where: Fenway Park, Boston

Broadcast info: NESN, WEEI 93.7 FM, WCCM 1490 AM (Spanish), WESX 1230 AM (Spanish)