BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox were able to relax as they watched Justin Verlander finish Oakland off in the playoffs, secure in the knowledge that they wouldn’t have to face him in Game 1 of the AL championship series.

Instead, they get the league’s ERA champion, Anibal Sanchez.

Followed by Max Scherzer, the major league leader in wins.

And then comes Verlander, the 2011 AL Cy Young winner and MVP.

“I don’t think there are really any consolation prizes when you’re playing them,” Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia said on Friday, when the teams worked out in preparation for Game 1 of the ALCS. “All their guys are really good. ... All their guys are horses.”

A former Red Sox prospect, Sanchez will start the best-of-seven series opener at Fenway Park against Boston left-hander Jon Lester. Sanchez led the AL with a 2.57 ERA even though he spent most of the year as the No. 3 pitcher in the rotation, behind Verlander and Scherzer.

“I feel like our rotation is relentless,” Verlander said. “There’s no sigh of relief. There’s no break. Every day you’re getting somebody that’s really good.”