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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 14:16:58 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 15m Sox moves
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 14:20:39 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 32m Cora tells @mfmonweei that Arroyo tested positive, Refsnyder is banged up, and Duran is leading off tonight.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 15:00:45 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 10m Josh Taylor faced four hitters this afternoon and did some PFP drills. Seemed to be moving around pretty well. He’s been out all season with a back injury.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 16:40:18 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 16m Alex Cora pretty much ended this debate on Wednesday when he said that Chris Sale will be in the starting rotation. when he returns to the team.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 16:47:06 GMT -5
I gonna get on my soap box but for something positive I know I was against the ESPN mike a player thing on Sunday nights but I actually don't mind it and I also see the teams TV provider routinely doing it, interacting with fans and mainly the teams letting fans mingle more with the players pre game it is about damn time, most of these players get it and want to mingle, they know who butters their bread. but this league has some great personality, heck show it Pete Abraham @peteabe · 24m JD Martinez signing for sone kids.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 18:12:01 GMT -5
Did not know that it was Dress Like a Seat night. Can't really tell about the upstairs seats out in LF, but it looks like a decent crowd. Tuesday night against Oakland might not be the best draw. Looks like it is Dress Like a Series for the A;s in town don't worry, the front office will fluff something up
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 18:13:32 GMT -5
Love the A's jersey's tonight that old style green is nasty
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 18:16:21 GMT -5
Lead off walk for this clown O'Brien all ready yapping how he never walks anyone in AAA dear jesus
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 15, 2022 18:56:56 GMT -5
Devers over the bullpen big power 3-0 good guys 2nd
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Jun 15, 2022 22:15:58 GMT -5
Love the A's jersey's tonight that old style green is nasty The As, like in the Reggie Jackson era, had great uniforms.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Jun 15, 2022 22:19:42 GMT -5
Great game. Any time you win with a substitute SP, it's great. And if that guy is someone that you might be counting on for the future, it's awesome. It's only the A's, but that is a fine appearance by Wink.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Jun 15, 2022 22:21:18 GMT -5
I give credit to the O's, as they are finally coming around. But when you have the designated runner on 2nd, I'm not sure why you are pitching to Vlad. He's one of the hottest hitters in BB.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2022 2:51:47 GMT -5
Rafael Devers hits fourth homer in 4 days, Josh Winckowski tosses 5 scoreless innings as Boston Red Sox beat A’s, 10-1 Updated: Jun. 16, 2022, 3:32 a.m. | Published: Jun. 15, 2022, 10:21 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Rafael Devers has had plenty of success in the big leagues. Josh Winckowski got his first taste of it Wednesday night. And both teammates contributed to another easy Red Sox win over the Athletics at Fenway Park.
Devers hit his fourth homer in as many games and Winckowski tossed five shutout innings as the Sox beat Oakland, 10-1, for their third straight victory. Alex Verdugo chipped in a two-run shot as the Red Sox -- who have won 11 of 13 -- improved to 34-29.
Winckowski, a rookie making just his second major league start, pounded the strike zone and kept Oakland’s offense quiet. The Red Sox got on the board on a Verdugo RBI groundout in the first, then went up 3-0 when Devers launched a James Kaprielian pitch into the bullpen for his 16th homer of the year. While Winckowski cruised, Boston tacked on runs in the third (Verdugo RBI single) and fourth (Xander Bogaerts sacrifice fly and Trevor Story RBI single) to take a six-run lead.
Winckowski got his first career major league win, holding the A’s to four hits over five shutout innings while striking out three. He was relieved by lefty Jake Diekman, who allowed a solo shot to Matt Davidson that made it 6-1 in the sixth. Verdugo, who led Boston’s offense with four RBIs, then blasted his fourth homer of the year off Domingo Acevedo to make it an 8-1 game. The blast was the outfielder’s first homer since April 16; he snapped a career-long 48-game homer-less streak.
In the ninth, Bogaerts hit an RBI double and Story added another RBI single off Lou Trivino to make it a nine-run game.
Bogaerts (3-for-4, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, SF), Verdugo (3-for-5, R, HR, 4 RBI), Story (2-for-4, RBI, BB) and Jackie Bradley Jr. (2-for-4, R) all had multiple hits for the Red Sox.
Devers, Winckowski impress
Devers’ fourth homer in as many games put him in rare company... again. He did it last season, too. The only Red Sox hitters to homer in four straight games at the age of 25 or younger are Babe Ruth (1918), Ted Williams (1941), Jim Rice (1978), Bobby Dalbec (5 games in 2020) and Devers, who has now done it twice.
Winckowski, who like Kutter Crawford on Sunday tossed five scoreless innings, is also the answer to some fun trivia. The two righties are the first pair of Red Sox rookies to make starts of 5+ shutout innings since 2015, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. Eduardo Rodriguez and Henry Owens each did it twice that year.
Hill pitches finale
Veteran lefty Rich Hill (2-3, 4.38 ERA) will be on the mound for the Red Sox facing his former team in Thursday’s matinee finale. Right-hander Paul Blackburn (5-2, 2.31 ERA) will pitch for Oakland. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. ET as the Red Sox go for the sweep.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2022 2:52:57 GMT -5
Rafael Devers is admiring his homers, so does he finally know how good he is? ‘Sometimes we’re too humble,’ says Red Sox’s Alex Cora Updated: Jun. 16, 2022, 1:33 a.m. | Published: Jun. 16, 2022, 1:29 a.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Rafael Devers has taken some time to admire his home runs in recent days. He might be starting to admire his place as one of baseball’s great young stars, too.
Devers has homered four times in as many games and -- somewhat uncharacteristically -- has made sure to watch them all leave the yard with the occasional bat flip and slow home run trot mixed in. Those are not things the usually humble 25-year-old would have done in previous years. But it’s all a sign that Devers -- in his sixth big-league season -- is starting to truly grasp how good he is.
“Let the kids play. That’s what they say,” said manager Alex Cora. “He’s only 25. He’s dominating the game and I think people take it personally. It’s the other way around. Sometimes we’re too humble in certain areas. They’re such humble kids that show up every day and play with their heads down. Sometimes, it’s cool to enjoy it.” Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Devers’ recent hot streak began Saturday in Seattle, when he crushed a 412-foot homer off George Kirby and watched as it sailed out of T-Mobile Park. On Sunday, after hitting the game-winning homer on a pitch way outside the zone, he flipped his bat. Tuesday’s three-run blast off Jared Koenig led to a smirk, flip and glacial home run trot (measured at 32.2 seconds). He watched his fourth-inning blast in Wednesday’s win leave the yard, too.
Devers is not a cocky guy. He’s humble, still leans on veteran teammates for advice and after Wednesday’s game, wouldn’t even admit that he’s more confident than ever. But his role on the Red Sox -- and in the major leagues -- is changing. He’s no longer a rising star. He’s a legitimate MVP candidate as the first half of the season winds down.
“He’s one of the best hitters in the big leagues but there’s a lot of guys having great seasons,” Cora said. “(Aaron) Judge. (José) Ramirez. But he shows up every day. We’re happy he’s hitting second for us on a daily basis and playing third base. The way he acted in spring training, we had a feeling it was going to be something like this. It’s coming true.”
During spring training, Cora said, Devers appeared more mature and confident than he had in previous years. He was more of a leader among teammates and even had opposing players gravitate toward him before and after games. Yes, Devers is still the kid who celebrates a big game with a two-scoop ice cream cone and some giggles. But he’s also one of the best young players in a league full of exciting 20-somethings.
“I’ve been saying it all along,” Cora said. “I think, around the league, people know who he is.”
If anyone doesn’t know who Devers is, they should take a look at the leaderboards. He leads the majors in hits (85) while ranking seventh in OPS (.991), slugging percentage (.617) and homers (tied with 16). He’s tied for second in doubles (23) and fifth in batting average (.332). He will be an All-Star again next month and might start at third base for the American League.
“He’s hitting everything hard,” Cora said. “He just saw these guys, the way they attack him. Just looking for pitches in certain areas and not missing them.”
The question of Devers’ contract situation looms large over the Red Sox and will continue to do so until a deal is completed or he hits free agency. But for now, Devers -- as well as his teammates, coaches, opponents and fans -- can simply sit back and enjoy the show.
“I know what I can bring to the plate every single day, day in and day out,” Devers said through interpreter Carlos Villoria Benítez.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2022 2:54:05 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook: Alex Verdugo breaks 48-game homer-less streak, Josh Winckowski gets first MLB win; Josh Taylor progressing Published: Jun. 16, 2022, 3:32 a.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Alex Verdugo’s two-run homer in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s win was a mere footnote in the Red Sox’ blowout, but it was quite meaningful to the outfielder.
Verdugo’s blast, which put Boston up 8-1 over the A’s, was his first home run since April 16. He had gone a career-long 48 games and 210 plate appearances without a home run. As the ball sailed into the home bullpen, Verdugo celebrated with a grin, a point toward Boston’s relievers and a fist pump or two as he rounded the bases.
The blast had been a long time coming.
“I kind of forgot how it felt,” Verdugo said. “Really, though, it felt good. I knew it has been a while since I put one over the fence. To come up, get some extra insurance and see one leave the yard was a big relief. Like a monkey off my back.”
Verdugo had 13 homers in 146 games last year and started this season on a power streak, hitting three dingers in his first eight games. Then, the homer-less streak started. As his teammates began to pile on home runs, Verdugo stayed at three.
“Certain days, it weighs heavy and then other days, it doesn’t matter... I’ve been seeing a lot of guys hitting homers,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Man, when am I gonna get a cart ride?’”
Verdugo, who entered Wednesday hitting just .224 with 12 extra-base hits and a .558 OPS in his last 43 games, led Boston with four RBIs in the club’s 10-1 win. He was 3-for-5 with a run. Manager Alex Cora has consistently said over the last few weeks that Verdugo is hitting the ball hard but running into bad luck. Cora was glad to see those well-struck balls turn into results Wednesday.
“Dugie’s in a good spot,” Cora said. “I know the homers, we’ve talked about, but the quality of the at-bats have been much better the last two-and-a-half, three weeks. He knows how important he is hitting behind those guys.” Sample HTML block Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Winckowski gets first win
Righty Josh Winckowski picked up his first career major league win in his second career start. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out three batters.
Winckowski walked Tony Kemp to lead off the game but then settled in and pounded the strike zone. He threw 52 of his 79 (66%) pitches for strikes. Getting the win represented an important milestone for Winckowski, who struggled in his MLB debut against the Orioles on May 28.
“It’s a surreal moment,” he said. “It’s obviously something you think about for a really, really long time. Especially to be for this team, it’s a pretty big moment.”
Winckowski became the second Red Sox rookie starter to throw five scoreless innings in a matter of three days. Kutter Crawford did it in Seattle on Sunday. With Nate Eovaldi and Garrett Whitlock both sidelined due to injury, the two young righties have stepped up admirably.
“Just like Kutter in Seattle, he gave us five (innings),” Cora said. “At one point we were like, ‘He might give us six’ but five was enough.
“It’s very important,” Cora added. “And we’ve still got more. We believe we have more. The fact that Kutter is pitching Saturday, can slow things down. We’ll see where we go with Josh. They have good stuff. What (WooSox pitching coach Paul Abbott) doing down there in Triple-A is worth mentioning. He’s really good.
The contributions from Crawford and Winckowski might just be the tip of the iceberg for the Red Sox in terms of contributions from young pitchers this season. Brayan Bello, Connor Seabold, Bryan Mata and Brandon Walter could all factor into the major league picture by the end of 2022.
“We prepare these kids to come up here and pitch. We expect them to do a good job,” Cora said. “Stuff-wise, they’re really good.”
Arroyo tests positive
Infielder/outfielder Christian Arroyo was placed on the COVID-19 related injured list after testing positive for the virus. He was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup due to illness. Jarren Duran replaced him on the active roster.
It’s unclear how much time Arroyo will miss. Cora said he’s feeling OK.
Taylor progressing (and other injury updates)
Lefty Josh Taylor (low back strain) threw a live batting practice session before the game. He’s in line to do that one more time before being sent on a rehab assignment. The reliever may be just a couple weeks away from making his season debut.
Chris Sale (stress fracture in right rib cage) will throw his next live BP session Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. Cora thinks he’ll need an additional live BP early next week before being sent on a rehab stint. Thursday’s session should last 15-20 pitches.
Lefty starter James Paxton (Tommy John surgery) threw a 15-pitch bullpen at Fenway on Wednesday. He’s still a ways away from joining the team. Outfielder Kiké Hernández (right hip flexor strain) ran on the field and is feeling better. Eovaldi (low back inflammation) and Whitlock (right hip inflammation) are feeling better but have not yet thrown off a mound. The Sox hope all three can be activated as soon as they are eligible. For Hernández, that would be Saturday; Eovaldi and Whitlock could return as soon as next Friday in Cleveland.
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