With three off days in 11 starting Monday, the Sox have the ability to optimally align their rotation for the two Yankees series. Assuming they stay on schedule with Fister starting Sunday to give Sale an extra couple days, I'd like to see him skipped until they need a fifth starter against the Cardinals on the 15th. Here's how it would shake out (days rest in parentheses):
8/3 vs. CWS: Porcello (5)
8/4 vs. CWS: Rodriguez (5)
8/5 vs. CWS: Pomeranz (5)
8/6 vs. CWS: Fister (5)
8/8 at TB: Sale (6)
8/9 at TB: Porcello (5)
8/11 at NYY: Rodriguez (6)
8/12 at NYY: Pomeranz (6)
8/13 at NYY: Sale (4)
8/14 vs. CLE: Porcello (4)
8/15 vs. STL: Fister (8)
8/16 vs. STL: Rodriguez (4)
8/18 vs. NYY: Pomeranz (5)
8/19 vs. NYY: Sale (5)
8/20 vs. NYY: Porcello (5)
This keeps Fister away from the Yankees and has Pomeranz and Sale go both series. They'll need a fifth starter again on the 22nd in Cleveland, but I'd just prefer to see Fister go the 21st to give Rodriguez an extra day.
8/3 vs. CWS: Porcello (5)
8/4 vs. CWS: Rodriguez (5)
8/5 vs. CWS: Pomeranz (5)
8/6 vs. CWS: Fister (5)
8/8 at TB: Sale (6)
8/9 at TB: Porcello (5)
8/11 at NYY: Rodriguez (6)
8/12 at NYY: Pomeranz (6)
8/13 at NYY: Sale (4)
8/14 vs. CLE: Porcello (4)
8/15 vs. STL: Fister (8)
8/16 vs. STL: Rodriguez (4)
8/18 vs. NYY: Pomeranz (5)
8/19 vs. NYY: Sale (5)
8/20 vs. NYY: Porcello (5)
This keeps Fister away from the Yankees and has Pomeranz and Sale go both series. They'll need a fifth starter again on the 22nd in Cleveland, but I'd just prefer to see Fister go the 21st to give Rodriguez an extra day.