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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 2:43:07 GMT -5
Red Sox 6, Cardinals 5: A smooth win gets dicey late
While the Sox, “hit ‘em where they ain’t” By Bob Osgood Jun 17, 2022, 11:04pm EDT 4 Comments
A couple of crafty vets took the hill on a beautiful Friday evening at Fenway, as 40-year-old Adam Wainwright (5-4, 2.84 ERA) took the hill against 30-year-old Michael Wacha (4-1, 2.33 ERA). The Cardinals entered the game at 37-28 with a two-game lead in the NL Central, while the Red Sox entered in fourth place in the AL East with a 34-30 record, 13 ½ games behind the Yankees.
After a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the first, with two strikeouts from Wacha, the Red Sox struck first in the bottom of the inning. Jarren Duran led off the game for the Sox with a triple off the center-field wall, cruising into third. Rafael Devers was then hit by pitch, something that has become far too common lately but likely a minor inconvenience on an 85 mph pitch. J.D. Martinez grounded into a double play, which removed the RBI but scored the first run for a 1-0 Boston lead after one.
Nolan Arenado quickly evened things up with the hardest-hit ball of the game, a 108.6 mph rocket to left field, tying the game at 1-1. Wacha retired the next three batters, and then Wainwright struck out the side in the bottom of the second.
After an uneventful third, where each team was only able to muster a two-out baserunner, things picked up in the fourth inning. In the top of the inning, Arenado hit the second hardest ball of the game (also Arenado’s second-hardest batted ball) for a single but was erased when a Nolan Gorman line drive brought Franchy Cordero directly to the first base bag for a double play. In the bottom of the inning, Martinez led things off with a single before Xander Bogaerts went oppo with a missile off the bullpen wall in right-center for a double. We’ve been waiting for Trevor Story to break out (again) and a great piece of hitting knocked in two runs as he slapped a single through the hole on the right side. Story made at least three good-to-great plays on the defensive side as well, continuing to be the key to a “180” on the infield defense this season. The Sox lead 3-1 after four.
There was action in the fifth without any scoring. Dylan Carlson and Harrison Bader each singled but were left stranded in the top half. In the bottom half, Devers found his way on base again with a single and a steal of second, his second theft of the year. Martinez grounded out to third to end the threat.
Wacha was chased from the game in the top of the sixth, after allowing a Paul Goldschmidt single and walking Arenado. Wacha departed allowing six hits, a walk, and a run, with five strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. He threw 88 pitches, 54 for strikes, with an average fastball velocity of 94.2 mph, up 1.1 on his season average, maxing out at 96.3. His most effective pitch was the changeup, eliciting 6 of his 11 whiffs and a 37% CSW. John Schreiber came in relief and did what he’s done all season long, shut things down. A lineout to center off the bat of Gorman, followed by a strikeout of Tyler O’Neill ended the threat. Wainwright made quick work in the bottom of the inning, still 3-1.
In the seventh, after a Carlson walk, Bader grounded into a 5-4-3 double play before Schreiber was lifted for left-hander Matt Strahm. An Andrew Knizner pop-out ended the inning. The Red Sox broke things open (but not for good) in the bottom of the seventh. Wainwright was still in, allowing a double to Franchy Cordero to open the inning before Vazquez got him to third on a groundout for the first out. The Cardinals summoned left-hander T.J. McFarland who entered the game with an ERA north of seven to potentially face three left-handers. Jackie Bradley singled home the fourth run to center field, another hitter who found a hole the other way against the shift, scoring Cordero. Wainwright’s line was complete at this point: 6 1/3 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Dalbec pinch-hit for Duran and immediately hit a 104.5 mph rocket off the center-field wall, which nearly left the yard. Devers continued the trend of “hitting it where they ain’t” by slapping a single down the third-base line, and scored both Bradley and Dalbec to make the score 6-1. Probably not the outing that McFarland had in mind, as he was lifted for Nick Wittgren, who got out of it to end the seventh.
From there, barely a thing happened until there were two out in the ninth inning. Strahm and Wittgren stayed in to work a quick eighth inning, keeping the score at 6-1. Austin Davis retired two batters immediately to open the ninth. So, how in the world did we get to the tying run at second base in a 6-5 game? With two outs, Carlson doubled, Bader tripled, and Knizner was hit by a pitch. Now the score was 6-2 and with the tying run in the on-deck circle, it was a save situation for, presumably, the new closer Tanner Houck. Houck immediately allowed back-to-back doubles to Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan and the score was 6-5. Scorching hot NL MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt had a chance to be the hero, putting up a good battle, but took a sinker for a called third strike to end the game. Houck had his third save, and the Red Sox narrowly escaped with a 6-5 win in the opener.
On Saturday at 7:15 ET on FOX, we’ll see Dakota Hudson take the hill for St. Louis (4-3, 3.29) facing Kutter Crawford (1-1, 5.75) for Boston.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 2:44:33 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox hold on to win after giving up 4 runs in ninth; Tanner Houck K’s Paul Goldschmidt to end it Updated: Jun. 17, 2022, 11:04 p.m. | Published: Jun. 17, 2022, 10:19 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Trevor Story misplayed two balls in the field and went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Thursday.
He then had the complete opposite game Friday to lead the Red Sox 6-5 over the Cardinals here at Fenway Park.
Boston barely held on. It led 6-1 with two outs and nobody on base in the ninth. But five straight Cardinals reached base to make it 6-5.
Austin Davis recorded two quick outs to start the ninth. But he then allowed a double to Dylan Carlson and an RBI triple to Harrison Bader.
Manager Alex Cora brought in Tanner Houck after Davis hit No. 9 hittter Andrew Knizner with a pitch to put runners at the corners.
Houck allowed an RBI double to Tommy Edman and a two-run double to Brendan Donovan.
But he then struck out Paul Goldschmidt on a 3-2 96-mph sinker to end the game.
Story gives Red Sox a lead, plays strong D
Story broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run single in the fourth inning. He fell behind 0-2 in the count, then connected on a sinker from Adam Wainwright that stayed up in the zone. He sent it to the opposite field in right, making it 3-1 Boston.
He also made two excellent defensive plays at second base.
The first defensive gem was a diving play up the middle on Harrison Bader’s 94.7 mph grounder for the first out of the third inning.
In the fourth, Story started on the left side of the bag in the shift and field Paul Goldschmidt’s 93.7 mph grounder up the middle. He threw out Goldschmidt from the outfield grass for the first out of the inning.
He also made a strong play ranging to his right for the second out of the ninth.
Duran leads off with triple
Jarren Duran began the bottom of the first inning with a leadoff triple. He scored when J.D. Martinez grounded into a double play.
Wacha earns win vs. old team
Red Sox starter Michael Wacha pitched 5 ⅓ innings, allowing just one run, six hits and one walk while striking out five.
The only run the righty allowed came on Nolan Arenado’s 403-foot homer over the Green Monster in the second inning.
Wacha posted a 3.91 ERA in 165 outings (151 starts) for St. Louis from 2013-19.
Red Sox extend lead in seventh
The Red Sox went ahead 6-1 in the seventh. Franchy Cordero started the inning with a double.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit an RBI single through the drawn-in infield. Bobby Dalbec ripped a pinch-hit 395-foot double to center field.
Rafael Devers slapped a two-run single to left field that bounced over third baseman Nolan Arenado’s head.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 2:45:30 GMT -5
How’d Boston Red Sox’s Tanner Houck approach Paul Goldschmidt AB with tying run at second in ninth? ‘Just go right at him’ Updated: Jun. 17, 2022, 11:34 p.m. | Published: Jun. 17, 2022, 11:34 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — It looked like it would be an easy victory as reliever Austin Davis retired the first two hitters in the top of the ninth inning Friday here at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox were ahead 6-1 over the Cardinals with nobody on base.
Five batters later — double, triple, hit by pitch, double and double — the Cardinals cut the deficit to one run and had the tying run at second base for the game’s hottest hitter, Paul Goldschmidt.
Goldschmidt entered Friday’s game 10-for-16 with four homers and two doubles in his previous four games.
The Red Sox held on — barely. They won 6-5 as Tanner Houck struck out Goldschmidt looking on a 3-2 pitch.
Houck threw a 96 mph sinker down to punch him out.
“I’ve got to come in and close the door a little bit sooner and make better pitches early on,” Houck said. “But went out there and got the job done eventually.”
Cora replaced Davis with Houck after the hit by pitch.
Houck allowed an RBI double to Tommy Edman and a two-run double to Brendan Donovan.
What was his approach against Goldschmidt with the tying run at second base?
“Same as everyone else: Just go right at him,” Houck said. “First one, didn’t get it there but it’s about battling back and just knowing you’ve got to make the big pitches whenever the moments call for it.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “That last inning, it got interesting but you expect that against them. They play just like us, until the last out. They put some good at-bats. We put ourselves in a bad situation to get that 27th out. But overall we ran the bases well, we played good defense, we pitched well.”
Houck grew up in Collinsville, Ill., about 15-20 minutes from St. Louis. He also pitched at Mizzou.
“I went to a lot of Cardinals games growing up, watched a lot on TV,” Houck said. “So yeah, it was really cool facing my hometown team.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 2:46:32 GMT -5
Josh Winckowski to start for Boston Red Sox on Monday vs. Tigers; Kutter Crawford pitching Saturday Published: Jun. 17, 2022, 6:20 p.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Josh Winckowski, who took Nathan Eovaldi’s turn in the starting rotation Wednesday, will make another start Monday.
Winckowski, the top prospect Boston acquired in the Andrew Benintendi trade, will face the Tigers here at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox placed Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list with low back inflammation. He’s eligible to return June 24 but it appears he will take longer.
“It seems like Nate is slower than we expected right now,” manager Alex Cora said Friday. “So we’ll see how he reacts today and tomorrow, over the weekend with treatment.”
Winckowski, a 23-year-old righty, pitched 5 scoreless innings against the Athletics here Wednesday in his second MLB start.
Kutter Crawford, who pitched in Garrett Whitlock’s place Sunday, will make another start Saturday (tomorrow).
Whitlock (right hip inflammation) also is eligible to return from IL on June 24. He is progressing but he hasn’t yet thrown off the mound. He has been playing catch.
Below is the Red Sox’s expected starting rotation schedule in the coming days:
Friday vs. Cardinals: Michael Wacha
Saturday vs. Cardinals: Kutter Crawford
Sunday vs. Cardinals: Nick Pivetta
Monday vs. Tigers: Josh Winckowski
Tuesday vs. Tigers: Rich Hill
Wednesday vs. Tigers: Michael Wacha
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 2:47:45 GMT -5
Alex Cora: Boston Red Sox’s Trevor Story ‘probably the best defensive second baseman in the big leagues’ Updated: Jun. 18, 2022, 12:20 a.m. | Published: Jun. 18, 2022, 12:18 a.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Second baseman Trevor Story has helped improve the Red Sox infield defense significantly this year. So it was a rare down day in the field Thursday when he misplayed two balls vs. the Athletics.
But things went back to normal Friday. He showed off his quick footwork and excellent range in the Red Sox’s 6-5 victory over the St. Lous Cardinals here at Fenway Park.
“I know it’s been a grind for him but he doesn’t take a play off,” manager Alex Cora said. “Right now I can say that probably he’s the best defensive second baseman in the big leagues.”
Two plays especially stood out Friday.
He made a diving play up the middle on Harrison Bader’s 94.7 mph grounder for the first out of the third inning.
In the fourth, Story started on the left side of the second base bag in the shift and field Paul Goldschmidt’s 93.7 mph grounder up the middle. He threw out Goldschmidt from the outfield grass (on the second base side) for the first out of the inning.
But Cora was most impressed with an under-the-radar backhanded play Story made in the shift with two runners on base in the fifth inning. Story fielded Tommy Edman’s 97.5 mph groundout to end the frame.
“The backhand in the shift, for me, that was the toughest play of them all because you have to be on point on the grass, get through it and put it on (the) money at first base,” Cora said. “It’s a routine play. But in that spot, it’s not.”
Story agreed it was his best play of the game.
“Yeah. I think so because all of your momentum is kind of going away from the bag,” Story said. “Kind of gotta make a cross-body throw.”
Story entered Friday third among major league second baseman with 6 defensive runs saved.
“I played with some good defenders and the combination of being quick and fast, not too many guys have that,” Cora said. “He gains ground. He does. I know a lot of people have their doubts with the throwing part of it. He’s been money. Money. On the run, taking his time.”
Story also broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run single in the fourth inning. He fell behind 0-2 in the count, then connected on a sinker from Adam Wainwright that stayed up in the zone. He sent it to the opposite field in right, making it 3-1 Boston.
“Just keep it small,” Story said about his approach after getting down 0-2. “Literally, just kind of do what I did. It was nice to come through in that spot with two guys on. But yeah, just really trying to keep it small and kind of shoot something that way.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:22:06 GMT -5
Wacha wins matchup with 'big-time mentor' 2:15 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- Michael Wacha had tunnel vision on a fun Friday night at Fenway Park, blocking out the emotions of facing the Cardinals for the first time in his career, not to mention going against the man in Adam Wainwright who taught him pretty much everything about what it would take to thrive in the Major Leagues.
But when it was over, and Wacha pitched the Red Sox to a 6-5 victory over Wainwright and the Cardinals, he was able to appreciate one of the most meaningful nights of his career.
“I’ve told you all before that he was the guy that kind of took me underneath his wing and was a big-time mentor and had a huge influence on my game and my career,” said Wacha. “Looking back now, getting to share a mound against him was pretty freaking special. It’s one of those memories that I’ll have forever.”
The performance of the 30-year-old Wacha (5-1, 2.28 ERA) continues to be one of the best developments of the season for the Red Sox. Against his former team, Wacha gave up six hits and a run over 5 1/3 strong innings (one walk, five strikeouts).
For Wacha, this season has been an impressive resurgence after three down years.
“It’s great to see him thriving,” said Wainwright. “We know how talented he is and how great his stuff is and what a great person he is and what a great teammate he was. He’s earning this opportunity and running with it. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Now that they’ve gotten their big faceoff out of the way, Wacha and Wainwright can perhaps find some time to socialize over the final two games of the series.
Wacha said there were no texts leading up to the big matchup.
“I’ll probably try to go over there and say hello to him maybe before BP tomorrow,” Wacha said.
Being on opposite sides at Fenway has to be different for Wainwright and Wacha.
In 2013, Wainwright pitched Game 1 of the World Series against Boston, a blowout win for the Red Sox. Wacha, a rookie at the time, helped the Cardinals rebound and earn the split in the next game as the Fall Classic headed back to St. Louis.
Wainwright was fabulous in Game 5 in St. Louis, but Jon Lester outdueled him to give the Red Sox a 3-2 lead in the Series. Wacha had the tall task of quieting Fenway and Boston in Game 6, and didn’t come through.
The Red Sox surged to victory in front of their home fans. Wacha and Wainwright shared what felt like a long flight back to St. Louis.
Wainwright and Wacha were teammates for another six seasons after that, helping each other through the ups and downs of life in MLB.
While the casual baseball observer might be surprised to see Wainwright still dealing in his 40s, Wacha expected nothing less.
“It’s a testament to how hard he works and the amount of work he puts in between each start to get prepared for that fifth day,” Wacha said. “Like I said, he was the guy I watched how he went about his business on and off the field and how he conducted himself. He’s one of the biggest competitors and one of the most big-time, gameday pitchers I’ve ever played with, and he’s still doing it and will be doing it for a while, too.”
Inspired by his friend, perhaps Wacha can also get a second wind as he embarks on the latter chapters of his career.
“He’s a pro,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He prepares. He’s been solid.”
The Wacha-Wainwright matchup was witnessed by a packed house of 35,251 on Friday and the electricity of two top fan bases sharing MLB’s oldest venue could be felt.
“Pitching here in Fenway, it’s always a special night for sure,” said Wacha. “But, yeah, it’s got some history between these two clubs. It was a fun night. The crowd was into it and we always love that as players.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:24:43 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Sale set for rehab assignment June 17th, 2022
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Keep track of the Red Sox’s recent transactions and injury updates throughout the season. LATEST NEWS
June 17: LHP Chris Sale set to start rehab assignment Sale flew to Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, and will start his rehab assignment by pitching two innings in the Complex League on Monday. He threw batting practice twice this week -- once in Fort Myers and once in Boston -- and was throwing in the mid 90s. Sale will likely make multiple starts at Double-A or Triple-A and be back with the Red Sox by early to mid-July. The 33-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched this season due to a fractured right ribcage he suffered while throwing batting practice during the lockout in February. -- Ian Browne
June 17: RHP Nathan Eovaldi's recovery slower than expected When the Red Sox placed their ace righty Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list with low back inflammation, the hope was that he would be activated as soon as eligible, which is June 24 for the start of a road trip in Cleveland. However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday he doesn't expect Eovaldi to be ready that soon.
"Seems like Nate is slower than we expected right now, so we’ll see how he reacts today and tomorrow and over the weekend with treatment," said Cora, who added that No. 13 prospect Josh Winckowski will remain in the rotation for at least one more turn and pitch in Eovaldi's place on June 20 against the Tigers. -- Ian Browne
COVID IL
INF/OF Christian Arroyo Expected return: TBD Arroyo went on the injured list on June 15 after testing positive for COVID-19. As of June 17, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the utilityman still wasn't feeling well.
"Christian's not feeling great. I actually texted him today," said Cora. -- Ian Browne (Last updated: June 17)
RHP Matt Barnes (right shoulder inflammation) Expected return: July Barnes returned to Boston from the team's training base in Fort Myers, Fla., and is making progress.
"Feeling better. Playing catch up to 90 [feet] yesterday," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "To have him around is always good. Talked to him for a while. Feeling better. He's not on the mound yet. He’s doing a lot of stuff in the gym that is helping as far as mechanics and all that stuff, too. I think he will throw up to 100 feet on [June 18], if I’m not mistaken. Slowly but surely getting to the point that probably he’ll get on the mound early next week.” -- Ian Browne (Last updated: June 17)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:42:50 GMT -5
Red Sox have the stage now and the opener against the Cardinals, making a rare visit to Fenway, was special By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated June 17, 2022, 11:58 p.m.
Friday night was the best game of the season at Fenway Park and not just because the Red Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-5.
The Cardinals making a rare visit to Fenway brought out a crowd of 35,251 that included many fans rooting for the visitors.
Cardinals fans travel well and what’s better than a weekend series at Fenway in June? They had these games marked on the calendar months ago and were lined up on Jersey Street early in the day to take the vaunted Fenway tour.
Their presence added some spice to the game, not the rancor when Yankees fans invade.
“It was a special Friday night,” Sox manager Alex Cora said. “With their fans, with our fans. ‘Sweet Caroline’ feels a lot better when we have the lead in the eighth.”
It almost turned into a dirge as the Cardinals scored four runs in the ninth inning. They had the tying run at second base with two outs and the best hitter in the National League, Paul Goldschmidt, up.
New closer Tanner Houck already had allowed two hits. But he froze Goldschmidt on a full-count sinker across the plate to end the game and leave the equally fearsome Nolan Arenado on deck.
Houck grew up 15 minutes from Busch Stadium and attended the University of Missouri. This wasn’t just another game for him.
“That was really cool,” he said.
Prior to the game, 42-year-old St. Louis legend Albert Pujols showed his younger teammates around the park, pointing out the nooks and crannies that give Fenway its personality.
Even St. Louis manager Oli Marmol said he wanted to duck into the Green Monster to take a look around.
The Red Sox wore their crisp home whites instead of those awful blue softball tops they sometimes break out on Fridays and the Cardinals were in road grays with the classic two birds on a bat logo.
The pitching matchup was Cardinals icon Adam Wainwright against former Cardinal Michael Wacha, who has pitched so well for the Sox this season.
For years now, Wainwright has been the template for how the Cardinals want their pitchers to prepare for games and execute a game plan. Wacha was a quick convert when he was a rookie in 2013.
“He was the guy who took me underneath his wing and was a big-time mentor and had a huge influence on my game and my career,” he said.
“Looking back now, getting to share a mound against him was pretty freaking special. It’s one of those memories I’ll have forever.”
Score one for the pupil. Wainwright worked into the seventh inning and allowed four runs to take the loss. Wacha worked into the sixth and gave up one run.
He is 5-1 with a 2.28 earned run average and the Sox are 8-3 in his starts. An offseason signing that didn’t attract much attention has proven to be major.
“It’s great to see him thriving,” Wainwright said. “We know how talented he is, and how great his stuff is, and what a great person, and what a great teammate he was. Hard worker.
“He’s earning this opportunity and running with it. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Wainwright had not pitched at Fenway since Game 1 of the 2013 World Series. He took the loss against Jon Lester that night as Mike Napoli and Dustin Pedroia had big hits.
On Friday it was Trevor Story who did the damage with a two-run single in the fourth inning. He also made a series of good defensive plays, prompting Cora to declare him the best second baseman in the game.
That will come as news to Tommy Edman of the Cardinals, a Gold Glover who is playing outstanding defense again this season. But Cora’s point has merit.
The exciting rookie in 2013 was Xander Bogaerts. Now it’s Jarren Duran, who lined a triple off the wall in center leading off the first inning. He made it to third standing, whirling around the bases as the crowd grew louder with every stride he took.
Everywhere you looked, there was something to appreciate. The timing was right, too.
Cora was in TD Garden for the end of the Celtics season on Thursday night. It occurred to him on the way home that now more attention would be focused on his team.
“The stage is ours,” Cora said. “Let’s have fun with it.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:46:14 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK ‘I’m taking some time for myself:’ Rafael Devers explains his new habit of lying down on the job By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated June 17, 2022, 8:05 p.m.
In the batter’s box, Rafael Devers is like none other in the big leagues. A free-swinging slugger who does damage against every type of pitch, in regions where most would consider swings unimaginable. Yet he is also showing one-of-a-kind characteristics on the bases and in the field.
Specifically, Devers has taken this season to enjoying leisurely sprawls any time he hits the dirt. When sliding into a bag, Devers will remain on the ground, propping himself up with one hand and looking as if he’s enjoying a picnic. After a recent diving play at third base, he remained flat on his stomach as if taking a nap.
“The play is already done. I don’t need to rush and get up right away, so I just take my time,” Devers said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez. “Nobody is waiting for me, so I’m taking some time for myself.”
His teammates are simultaneously mystified and delighted by the practice, and more than happy to celebrate anything the 25-year-old does when he’s hitting .333/.383/.613 with 16 homers and an MLB-leading 40 extra-base hits after a 2-for-3 in Boston’s 6-5 victory Friday.
“I have no idea what he’s doing, but I think it’s the funniest thing ever,” said starter Nick Pivetta. “I think it’s hard for us to really understand because not a lot of people are on his level. It just works for who he is, and it brings a little personality to the table of what type of baseball player he is.
“He likes to goof off, have fun, but he’s also showy. He likes people to know he’s a top, top echelon talent and you don’t want to [mess] with him.”
Teammates periodically wonder whether Devers is going to remain on the ground while a ball is put in play.
“[Thursday] when he dove back into first, out in the bullpen, we were like, ‘Raffy, get up! Get up! He’s coming set!’ But he’s aware,” said reliever Matt Strahm. “His little internal clock, he’s very aware. It’s his fun little quirky way on the field.”
The willingness to take a meditative moment in the middle of the game attests to the remarkable self-assurance with which Devers is playing.
“I feel very confident and I know the kind of player I am,” said Devers. “That’s why I feel so comfortable out there. I’m very confident.” Chris Sale getting a game taste
Lefthander Chris Sale, working his way back from a stress fracture in his right ribcage, will pitch two innings in a Florida Complex League game Monday, the Red Sox announced. The outing will be Sale’s first game competition since Game 5 of the ALCS in October.
“Hopefully that’s the beginning of his rehab, and from there, it’s just a countdown,” Sox manager Alex Cora said on NESN. “We’re going to build him up as a starter. That’s loud and clear.”
Cora said Sale will be stretched out to five innings in the minors.
While both Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Nate Eovaldi (lower back) are eligible to return from the injured list on June 24, Cora said Eovaldi’s progression has been slower. Whitlock has resumed playing catch, while Eovaldi has not, suggesting that he may remain out longer.
With both out, Cora said Josh Winckowski is expected to remain in the rotation to take another turn on Monday against the Tigers. The team will reassess its rotation — which currently features Winckowski, Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Michael Wacha, and Rich Hill — once Thursday’s off-day arrives.
Also Saturday, lefthander Josh Taylor is scheduled to throw live batting practice at Fenway. It’s possible he could be sent on a minor league rehab assignment if that goes well. Taylor is expected to face Kiké Hernández in that session. Hernández took batting practice on Friday for the first time since he went on the injured list on June 8 with a hip flexor strain. Casas on hold, while Mata lighting it up
Friday marked one full month since prospect Triston Casas suffered a high right ankle sprain while baserunning. Casas remains in Fort Myers rehabbing, but has not been able to resume baseball activities (including swinging), suggesting that he will not be able to return to games for some time. Casas, 22, was hitting .248/.359/.457 with six homers in 36 games for Triple-A Worcester prior to his injury.
Righthander Bryan Mata struck out eight and touched 100 miles per hour over four shutout innings for High-A Greenville on Thursday as he continued his buildup roughly 16 months after Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox are still determining where the 23-year-old will make his next start. He’s allowed one run in nine innings while striking out 15 in three starts for the Red Sox’ two A-ball affiliates.
Matt Barnes, who turned 32 on Friday, returned from Fort Myers to spend time with the team while rehabbing from right shoulder inflammation that landed him on the I.L. on June 1. He’s started playing catch on flat ground and might work off of a mound next week.
Cardinal commotion
Devers expressed delight at the prospect of once again being able to share a field with Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols, who didn’t play Friday. “I was and still am a big fan of Albert Pujols,” said Devers. “We know the numbers that he’s put out there. He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s the best hitter that the Dominican Republic has produced” . . . Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina landed on the injured list with a knee injury prior to Friday’s game . . . Former Red Sox Brock Holt was on the field as part of a program ceremony recognizing the impact of the Red Sox Foundation over its 20 years . . . The Red Sox observed a pregame moment of silence for Drago, the longtime service dog of senior director of grounds Dave Mellor and a constant and beloved presence on the field at Fenway Park. Drago was 10.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:49:03 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 9h Larry Lucchino making a rare on-field appearance at Fenway before the game as part of the ceremony recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Red Sox Foundation.
Boston celebs Brock and Griffin Holt were on the field for BP
Nice touch by the Sox. Brock caught one of the first pitches on Red Sox Foundation Night.
Brock was (and still is) deeply involved in the Jimmy Fund. He was tireless when it came to that during his tenure with the Sox.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:49:47 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h Nice night for Michael Wacha against his mentor and former team.
5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. 88/54.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:50:20 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 6h Davis had two outs and nobody on. Now he's allowed a run and leaves with runners on the corners.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:51:17 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 6h
Sox (35-30) have won 4 of 5 and 12 of 15.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:53:46 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 6h Cora on Wacha: “He’s a pro. He prepares, makes adjustments throughout the game. … He’s been solid.”
Cora on Story’s defense: “The combination of being quick and fast, not too many people have that.” Added that Story has been “money” throwing the ball. “He doesn’t take a play off.” Calls Story “the best defensive 2B in the big leagues.”
Cora: “today was quote-unquote Opening Day for the Red Sox.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 18, 2022 3:54:32 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 6h What is it with Fridays at Fenway? We remember the Orioles storming back on May 27 from six runs down. Cardinals are within 6-5 after starting the inning down, 6-1.
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