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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 5, 2022 16:37:32 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 48m Alex Cora is hopeful that Michael Wacha will start Friday night against the Yankees.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 5, 2022 16:43:03 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 55m Red Sox are hoping Wacha pitches Friday. So Pivetta, Bello, Winckowski, Wacha, TBD (Crawford?), Pivetta for rest of homestand.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 5, 2022 16:43:50 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 54m Sox hoping for 5 innings from Sale tomorrow in Worcester, which could position him to start in the big leagues next week
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:35:02 GMT -5
Nick Pivetta struggles as Boston Red Sox fall to Rays, 8-4; Xander Bogaerts breaks 25-game homer-less streak in loss Updated: Jul. 06, 2022, 12:33 a.m. | Published: Jul. 05, 2022, 10:51 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Nick Pivetta has dominated for the last two months, going 8-1 with a 1.95 ERA in his last 11 outings. The fact he was due for a stinker didn’t make Tuesday’s performance any more palatable for the Red Sox.
Pivetta allowed seven runs in 5 ⅔ innings as the Red Sox fell to the Rays, 8-4. Tampa Bay blitzed Pivetta for three runs in the first and put together a four-run rally in the sixth to chase him from the game. Xander Bogaerts and Trevor Story both homered as the Red Sox fell to 45-36.
Tampa Bay jumped all over Pivetta from the start. In the first, first three batters reached base before Kevin Kiermaier cleared the bases with a three-run double. The Red Sox opened the scoring on their side in the bottom of the inning, when J.D. Martinez doubled and Bogaerts broke his career-long 25-game homer-less streak with a two-run shot off lefty starter Jeffrey Springs.
Story’s second homer in as many days made it 3-3 in the second. The score would hold there until the sixth, when after the Red Sox squandered a second-and-third, no-out opportunity, Pivetta’s night really fell apart.
Wander Franco walked and Isaac Paredes singled before Kiermaier gave the Rays the lead with an RBI groundout. After Randy Arozarena doubled, Taylor Walls made it 5-3 with a sacrifice fly. René Pinto added a run with an RBI single. And Yandy Díaz made it a four-run game with an RBI knock of his own.
In total, Pivetta allowed eight hits and walked four batters in this loss. His ERA rose from 3.23 to 3.68.
The teams traded runs in the seventh as Paredes hit an RBI single off reliever Hansel Robles and Bogaerts got the deficit back to four runs with a sacrifice fly. In the ninth, the Red Sox loaded the bases against righty Jason Adam and Story came to the plate with a chance to tie it, but popped out to end the game.
The Red Sox have now lost five of their last nine games and are 10-16 against AL East opponents. Boston was 2-for-12 with runners on scoring position and left 11 on base Tuesday. They’ll look for their first series win against a division rival in Wednesday night’s rubber game. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Pivetta almost gets into another kerfuffle
Tensions between the sides ran high in the fifth inning when Pivetta threw a pitch inside to Yandy Díaz and then yelled an expletive at himself. Díaz thought it was directed at him and started barking -- and walking toward -- Pivetta. A few Rays stormed out of the dugout as Red Sox third baseman Christian Arroyo told them to settle down.
Díaz was greeted with boos for the rest of the evening. Pivetta also got into a brief disagreement with the Blue Jays -- including Vlad Guerrero Jr. -- in his last outing Wednesday night.
Bello to debut Wednesday
Top pitching prospect Brayan Bello (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his major league debut Wednesday night in the series finale. The Rays will counter with former Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber (3-5, 3.91 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET.
The Red Sox will then welcome the first-place Yankees to Boston for the first time this year. The four-game series between those teams starts Thursday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:36:09 GMT -5
Hansel Robles designated for assignment; Boston Red Sox cut reliever with 9.00 ERA since May 1 Updated: Jul. 06, 2022, 12:19 a.m. | Published: Jul. 05, 2022, 11:55 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Hansel Robles’ prolonged struggles out of the Red Sox bullpen finally cost him his job Tuesday night.
The Red Sox designated Robles for assignment after Tuesday’s loss, multiple major league sources confirmed. Boston Sports Journal’s Sean McAdam had the news first. The Red Sox will now have seven days to trade, waive or release Robles. It’s exceedingly likely that his time in the organization is over.
Boston needed a roster spot ahead of Wednesday’s game because the club needs to add rookie pitcher Brayan Bello to the roster before his major league debut. The Robles move creates a 40-man roster spot though Chris Sale will need one when he comes off the 60-day injured list. That could happen as soon as early next week.
Robles, 31, has been pitching poorly for a while. After posting a stellar 0.93 ERA in nine April appearances, the righty has been on a downward trajectory. In 15 appearances since May 1, he owns a 9.00 ERA (15 runs in 15 innings) while blowing five saves and issuing 12 walks. He allowed a run and walked two batters in the seventh inning Tuesday night. Robles’ velocity has been down and his slider has lost shape during his struggles, causing some to speculate that he’s dealing with some sort of arm injury.
The Red Sox acquired Robles from the Twins at last year’s trade deadline and he had plenty of success down the stretch, including in September, when he didn’t allow an earned run in 14 appearances. He returned to the organization on a minor league deal in March and locked in a $2.25 million salary once he was added to the big league roster. The Red Sox are still on the hook for that money.
In total, Robles had a 5.84 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 26 games this season. He entered the season as one of Alex Cora’s most trusted relievers and lost his roster spot by the All-Star break. More roster moves are expected in the coming weeks as the Red Sox get some of their injured players (including Chris Sale, Josh Taylor, Nate Eovaldi, Garrett Whitlock and Kiké Hernández) back from the IL.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:39:16 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox injuries: Michael Wacha on track to start Friday after being scratched; Kiké Hernández nearing rehab assignment Published: Jul. 06, 2022, 12:40 a.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- The Red Sox still think Michael Wacha will avoid the injured list and are hopeful he’ll start Friday against the Yankees, manager Alex Cora said Tuesday.
Wacha was scratched from his scheduled start Monday due to a “heavy arm” but might be ready to go after a few days off. He last pitched Tuesday in Toronto. The righty played catch Tuesday at Fenway Park and is feeling better than he was over the weekend.
“Tomorrow, he’s going to get back on the mound. If everything goes well, hopefully Friday will be the day for him,” Cora said.
After Brayan Bello debuts Wednesday, Josh Winckowski will start the opener of Boston’s four-game set against New York on Thursday, with Wacha potentially following Friday. Saturday’s starter is TBD (the Sox could go with an opener or righty Kutter Crawford). Nick Pivetta will pitch Sunday. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Eovaldi, Whitlock progressing
Right-handers Nate Eovaldi (hip) and Garrett Whitlock (hip) both faced hitters in two-inning simulated games at Fenway before Tuesday’s game and came out of it well. Cora wasn’t sure what the next steps are for both righties.
“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow and how they feel, but stuff-wise, it was really good,” Cora said.
Whitlock will come back first because he’s going to be used as a reliever and requires a shorter build-up. Cora said the team is hopeful that after a few rehab outings, Whitlock can rejoin the Red Sox during their seven-game road trip, which begins Monday at Tampa Bay.
“Hopefully, he doesn’t need much,” Cora said. “Go out, have a few, and get back with us.”
Eovaldi will take longer before he returns to the rotation. It’s unclear when he could start a rehab stint. It’s unlikely he’s back before the All-Star break.
Sale, Taylor to pitch Wednesday in Worcester
Chris Sale (rib cage) is expected to go five innings in his rehab start for the WooSox on Wednesday. Lefty Josh Taylor (back) will follow for an inning.
It might be Sale’s final start before joining the Red Sox. He could make his season debut Monday night at Tropicana Field.
“We’ll see how he feels afterwards. There’s a chance it might be next week, at one point next week,” Cora said.
It seems like the Red Sox are stalling with Taylor. He has made five rehab appearances since June 21.
Hernández nearing rehab assignment
Kiké Hernández (hip) took batting practice and ran the bases Tuesday. He’s getting close to his first game action since June 7. Cora said the center fielder could start a rehab assignment this weekend (likely Friday or Saturday with the WooSox).
“He’s moving well,” Cora said. “Now, it’s all about the baseball part of it.”
Hernández could be activated during next week’s road trip. It’s unclear how many rehab games he’ll need
Barnes progressing; Darwinzon returns
Righty Matt Barnes (reliever) threw another bullpen in Fort Myers on Monday and will face hitters by the end of the week, according to Cora. The expectation is that Barnes will get into rehab games next week. From there, the Red Sox will determine if he’s worth adding back to the major league roster (he owns a 7.94 ERA this season).
Cora was also pleased with how lefty Darwinzon Hernandez looked in his first outing back from knee surgery. He struck out the side for the WooSox on Monday. Hernandez, who tore his meniscus in May, could be a candidate to join the big league bullpen for a few days this week.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:40:24 GMT -5
Xander Bogaerts ends longest homer drought (25 games) of career: ‘It has been a while,’ says Boston Red Sox shortstop Updated: Jul. 06, 2022, 2:23 a.m. | Published: Jul. 06, 2022, 2:17 a.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Xander Bogaerts’ first-inning home run Tuesday night wasn’t just meaningful because it put Boston’s first runs of the night on the board. It also ended the longest homer-less streak of the star shortstop’s career.
Before Bogaerts launched a Jeffrey Springs pitch over the center field wall Tuesday, his last homer came June 3 against the Athletics. It had been 25 games and 108 plate appearances. The only member of the Red Sox with a longer drought was Jackie Bradley Jr. (33 games, 114 plate appearances) entered Tuesday with a longer homer-less streak.
“It felt good, man. It has been a while,” Bogaerts said. “Show up everyday, continue to work, continue to grind and pick out your mistakes. Trying to get that feeling when you know you’re going right and you’re seeing the ball well.”
Bogaerts’ blast -- which came in an 8-4 loss -- was just his seventh of the season. He’s on pace for only 14. Last year, Bogaerts hit 23 homers, and in 2019 (the last full season before that), he had a career-high 33.
“It’ll come,” Bogaerts said. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Bogaerts had just one homer in April despite hitting .375 then four in May. June was a good month for the shortstop (.878 OPS) but he has been struggling for the last week-plus. Entering Tuesday, Bogaerts was 6-for-32 (.188) with a .569 OPS in his last nine games. He said he has been watching a lot of film and tweaking his stance in an effort to get right at the plate.
“It sucks, when you’re hitting up there and you feel like all you can do is hit a little blooper or an infield knock,” Bogaerts said. “But today was different. Worked on a lot of mechanics stuff. I just want to feel right. For a while, I’m not even feeling right at the plate just standing there in my stance. It sucks, but you’ve just got to grind on days like that. It’s nothing physical. I just feel like I couldn’t do much with the baseball. They’re throwing it 95 (mph) but I feel like all I can hit is probably like 70 (mph). That sucks. It’s the big leagues. But today was a really good feeling and good step forward.”
Bogaerts is hitting .318 with 34 RBIs and an .856 OPS on the season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:52:16 GMT -5
Red Sox's fortunes swing after 'momentum shift' Boston's rally in 5th fizzles, then Pivetta labors in pivotal 6th frame against Tampa Bay 1:56 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- You could either look at it as a classic case of cause and effect, or just two unfortunate half-innings that happened to fall on top of each other.
One thing is clear: An offensive squander in the bottom of the fifth inning followed by a pitching malfunction in the top of the sixth is what sank the Red Sox in Tuesday night’s 8-4 loss to the Rays at Fenway Park.
“That inning was kind of a momentum shift,” manager Alex Cora said. “Second and third, [nobody out], it doesn’t happen. Then, we walk the first guy and then they did what they did.”
The way the game started, it looked like it was going to be one of those wild Boston-Tampa Bay encounters of which there have been many in recent years.
The Rays scored three off Nick Pivetta in the top of the first. When Xander Bogaerts hammered a two-run homer to center (snapping a drought of 108 plate appearances without a long ball) in the first and Trevor Story lofted one over the Green Monster in the bottom of the second, it was suddenly a 3-3 game.
And that score was still on the board when the Red Sox came to bat in what wound up a fateful bottom of the fifth.
The rally that got away Rob Refsnyder ripped a single to right and J.D. Martinez dropped in a double to right, and Boston had runners on second and third with nobody out.
It seemed like the deadlock was about to end, as the Red Sox had Bogaerts, Christian Vázquez and Story coming up against Rays righty Ryan Thompson.
On an 0-1 pitch, Bogaerts played into Tampa Bay’s drawn-in infield with a 69 mph grounder to second that gave Refsnyder no chance to advance.
“I’ve been doing that a lot this year. That’s not a good trait to have, I would say. It’s not a good approach to have,” Bogaerts said. “It’s not an easy pitcher either. If we had a pitching machine that could throw from the side, that’d be much better. But we don’t. It sucks, man. Not getting the run in, it hurts like you guys can’t even imagine.”
Then it was Vázquez with a chance to get the runner(s) home with less than two outs. He popped a 1-2 pitch to shortstop. Again, no advance.
“The last few days, even before the Cubs series, we haven’t done a great job with a man on third and less than two outs. We did an amazing job early in the season. The sac fly was probably our best play offensively the first month and a half,” Cora said.
That left it up to Story, who struck out on four pitches.
Pivetta’s streak ends abruptly Not only is Pivetta the only Boston pitcher not to miss a start this season, but he was red-hot (8-1, 1.95 ERA) in the 11 starts that preceded this one.
After a rough first inning in which the Rays banged him around but then let him off the hook with a baserunning blunder, Pivetta steadied himself for four consecutive innings without allowing a run.
The momentum swung the other way again, starting with his leadoff walk to Wander Franco in the sixth. By the time the frustration-filled frame ended, the Rays had scored four runs, all of them charged to Pivetta.
“Obviously the leadoff walk [wasn’t good],” Pivetta said. “Middle-middle away to [Randy] Arozarena, probably not a great pitch there, missed location. Not very competitive pitches. Kind of on me in a sense of, if we hold that game to three, we probably win this game, because the bullpen comes into an easier situation than I led them into. So, chalk this one as on me, but we move on from here.”
Halfway home Though it was a frustrating loss, the Red Sox reached the halfway point in a much better place than they were in at the quarter pole.
Despite not winning a series against an American League East team yet this season -- something that can change with a win in Wednesday’s rubber game -- Cora’s team is 45-36, and on pace for a 90-win season.
If the season ended now, the Red Sox would be in the playoffs. In fact, they’d be in line to host every game in a best-of-three Wild Card round.
“We’re in a good spot,” Cora said. “Overall, I’m not good at grades, but we are where we’re at. And I think we did an amazing job getting to this point. If you think where we were [10-19] on that [May 9] off-day going into Atlanta, we’re in a much better spot.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:55:43 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h
Red Sox end the first half 45-36.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 2:59:30 GMT -5
Anticipation is growing for Red Sox pitching prospect Brayan Bello’s major league debut Wednesday By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated July 5, 2022, 9:10 p.m.
When Brayan Bello takes the mound Wednesday, he will do so as the most anticipated Red Sox pitching prospect in years. Not since Eduardo Rodriguez in 2015 has a Red Sox minor league pitcher arrived in the big leagues with as clear a path to being a rotation anchor.
That Bello occupies that space almost exactly five years after signing with the Red Sox represents a remarkable development. He was a passed-over prospect on the international market who was overlooked by all 30 organizations for his first two full years of eligibility to sign. When the Red Sox finally inked him as an 18-year-old July 2, 2017, he signed for less than $30,000.
“I just took it as a challenge knowing that I wasn’t ready at [16] to sign and play professional baseball,” Bello said recently. “I took that year and a half to get more strength in my body and perform the right way so the chance eventually would come.”
Red Sox Dominican scout Manny Nanita started building the team’s history with Bello when he was 17, identifying the then-slender righthander (Bello once recalled that he was 6 feet and 130 pounds at the time of signing) as a pitcher whose athleticism, quick arm, ability to throw a breaking ball, and competitiveness would appeal to the Sox.
The Sox had a chance to work him out at their academy in the Dominican. There, while his velocity was relatively modest (high-80s to low-90s), several team evaluators saw a player with impressive feel to pitch and for whom a velocity increase was easy to forecast when he got into a professional strength and nutrition program.
“He caught your attention quick,” said assistant GM Eddie Romero. “It all comes down to Manny Nanita seeing him at his agent’s place and saying, ‘This guy checks a lot of the boxes of what we look for. You guys need to see him.’ ”
The Sox were impressed not just with his stuff and standout arm speed but also by the determination of a pitcher who remained unbowed despite the long period preceding his signing.
“You could see the kid was on a mission,” said Red Sox co-director of international scouting Rollie Pino.
That same sense fueled Bello’s rise once in the Sox system. He immediately impressed Latin America field coordinator Jose Zapata with his maturity and responsiveness to instruction.
“He listened to everything. He never said no,” said Zapata. “He just said, ‘I want to run. I want to pitch. I want to be a big leaguer.’ ”
As Bello gained size and strength, his stuff ticked up beyond any expectations of the Red Sox. His fastball reached the mid-90s by 2019 in Single A Greenville — and then, after Bello proved diligent in his self-managed workout program during the COVID-19 shutdown year of 2020 — the high-90s by the time he arrived for instructional league in the fall of 2020.
He turned his curveball into a slider — an offering that seemed to work better with his arm slot and ability to throw hard. And he developed his changeup — a pitch for which he had some feel when working out at the Sox academy in 2017 — into an offering with the arm speed to sell to hitters as a fastball.
And then came the pièce de résistance. Late in 2021 while Bello was in Double A, he started to incorporate a mid-90s sinker so that he could work at both the top and bottom of the strike zone with his premium velocity.
In short order, that pitch became a jaw-dropper, an offering at 95-98 miles per hour that Bello leaned on in Triple A Worcester this year at roughly a 35 percent rate. He became relentless with the sinker, unafraid to throw it in the strike zone, where its tremendous, late life resulted in swings-and-misses as well as a grass-cutting succession of groundballs — a formula for dominance.
“That’s what makes Bello special,” said WooSox hitting coach Rich Gedman. “He can beat you in the zone. Not a whole lot of people can do that.”
Nor are there many pitchers who take the mound with Bello’s presence. He commands the stage in a way that typically characterizes the best prospects. A pitcher who was undeterred by his long road into pro ball likewise has proved unflappable in the face of game stresses.
“I don’t think he’s going to be fazed by anybody,” said Pino. “He’s got Pedro Martinez type of makeup. He ain’t scared of nobody.”
Between Double A Portland and Triple A Worcester this year, Bello forged a 10-4 record and 2.33 ERA. Among minor leaguers with at least 70 innings, Bello ranks second in strikeout rate (33.7 percent) and first in groundball rate (63.1 percent).
Reviews of his work in Worcester have been breathless.
“What a stud,” said outfielder Rob Refsnyder. “He’s the real deal. It’s hard not to get excited watching him.”
Bello remains a work in progress. In particular, his ability to execute his slider to the glove side of the plate represents a milestone that could elevate him to a potential No. 2 starter or even an ace.
Of course, that outlook is part of the long game. For now, Bello has arrived at a point where he is ready for the first time to take the stage at Fenway against the Rays. Manager Alex Cora cautioned that one shouldn’t put too much stock in a player’s performance in his big league debut — that the novelty of the environment can twist the performance in ways that are not reflective of abilities.
For Bello, the greater significance of Wednesday is as a new beginning following a hard-earned opportunity. Once overlooked, the righthander insists that he is prepared for a new challenge.
“I’m ready right now,” said Bello. “I just can’t wait to get out there.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 3:02:56 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Things may be looking up for a Red Sox starting rotation plagued by injuries By Jayna Bardahl Globe Correspondent,Updated July 5, 2022, 11:36 p.m.
The Red Sox’ starting rotation has been plagued with injuries for some time now, but developments among several key players Tuesday could mean more security is in the team’s future.
Michael Wacha looked stronger after being scratched from his start Monday with a “heavy arm.” He was at Fenway playing catch and will have a bullpen session Wednesday. Manager Alex Cora said the righthander is slated to start Friday against the Yankees “if everything goes well.”
Wacha has made 13 starts this season, his last being in the 6-5 loss at Toronto on June 28.
Nate Eovaldi and Garrett Whitlock each threw two innings against batters prior to the second game of a three-game set against Tampa Bay. Kevin Plawecki caught Eovaldi’s session.
“He looked better than he did in Anaheim when he got the win that day, he kind of hurt everything, so he looked really good,” Plawecki said.
Eovaldi’s progress is a positive change of events. He left his last start against the Angels on June 8 with soreness and days later was placed on the injured list, retroactive to June 9, with “low back inflammation.”
He was eligible to return in late June, but slow progress pushed that back.
“I felt good mechanically,” Eovaldi said. “A few little things to tinker with but it’s still early and I think I’ll be ready to go.”
Chris Sale is slated to make a rehab start for Triple A Worcester on Wednesday.
“They got bobbleheads over there tomorrow or something like that?” Cora smiled. “To the people in Worcester, you’re welcome.”
Cora said he hopes to get five innings out of the lefty and there’s a chance Sale could return to the Red Sox “at one point next week.”
Cora identified Josh Winckowski as the starter for Thursday’s series opener against the Yankees. He did not name a starter for Saturday.
Bogaerts returns
Xander Bogaerts returned to the lineup after being pulled in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 4-2 extra-inning win over the Cubs.
Bogaerts received seven stitches in his left leg after a collision with Willson Contreras and did not play in Monday’s series opener against the Rays.
“A little sore but, you know, just a boo-boo, put a Band-Aid on and play,” said Cora.
Bogaerts hit a two-run home run to center field in the first inning and later added an RBI sacrifice fly in the Red Sox’ 8-4 loss to the Rays. The homer snapped his 25-game streak without a long ball.
Alex Verdugo and Rafael Devers had Tuesday off. Rob Refsnyder stepped in at left field and Christian Arroyo played third base with Bogaerts’s return to shortstop. Devers’s presence was still felt, as #VOTEDEVERS was chalked in behind the plate.
Kiké Hernández continues to improvement from a strained right hip flexor and could go on a rehab assignment over the weekend. He took part in live batting practice sessions with Eovaldi and Whitlock, and ran the bases.
“He’s moving well, now it’s all about the baseball part of it,” said Cora.
The final pitch of Whitlock’s session came with a scare as minor leaguer Grant Williams lined a pitch up the middle that caught Whitlock on the cleat.
Cora said Whitlock may need “a few” minor league rehab outings before he is ready to be activated.
Josh Taylor will pitch Wednesday after Sale as he continues his rehab assignment in Worcester.
Darwinzon Hernandez, who had knee surgery in May to repair a torn right meniscus, struck out the side in his one inning for Worcester on Monday. It was his first appearance since May 13. Take it easy
Pitching prospect Brayan Bello will make his major league debut Wednesday.
“Let’s chill [Wednesday], let him enjoy it. Whatever happens, happens,” Cora said.
“This kid is going to be a big part of this organization for a long, long time, so tomorrow is about going out there and being a big leaguer. If being a big leaguer is going five and no runs, so be it. If it’s three and he gives up seven, so be it, too.”
In nine games with Worcester, Bello had a 2.81 ERA. He said he will have some family in attendance for Wednesday’s game.
“I’m really happy to get the opportunity to make my MLB debut here in Fenway in front of all the fans,” said the 23-year-old. “I’ve been working really hard for this moment to be here and I’m excited. I’m just ready to go.” No Yaz
The Baseball Hall of Fame released a list of 54 former inductees expected to attend the July 24 ceremony when David Ortiz will headline the 2022 class. Red Sox notables Wade Boggs, Pedro Martinez, and Jim Rice were listed.
Carl Yastrzemski, 82, was not on the list.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 3:08:23 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook: Prospect Brayan Bello could switch places with Chris Sale after MLB debut on Wednesday Sale will start for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: July 5, 2022 at 7:19 p.m. | UPDATED: July 5, 2022 at 7:38 p.m.
The Red Sox’ approach to Brayan Bello’s much-anticipated MLB debut that’ll come Wednesday night against the Rays is quite clear: no pressure, kid.
Manager Alex Cora wouldn’t say if he’s told Bello that he’ll be going back to the minors after his spot start but the writing is on the wall, especially with Chris Sale pitching in what could be his final rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on the same day.
Five days from Wednesday, Bello and Sale could swap places.
“I think those conversations, we’ll keep it for us, but I think everybody understands where we’re at and what’s going to happen in the future,” Cora said. “So it’s more about, just go out there and compete, have fun, and then we’ll see what happens in the future.”
It brings back memories of 2007, when Terry Francona made it clear when he first called up Clay Buchholz, the last successful homegrown starting pitcher produced by the Red Sox, that Buchholz was going back to the minors after his debut, even if he threw a no-hitter.
Buchholz didn’t throw a no-hitter in his debut. But when the 23-year-old was called back to make his second MLB start two weeks later, he no-hit the Orioles while striking out nine. Still, he ended up back in the minors the following year.
Bello’s development has looked different. He wasn’t highly-touted out of the Dominican Republic, instead signing for just $28,000 as an 18-year-old.
He posted a 5.34 ERA in his first full minor league season in 2019. But when he came back from the alternate site after the pandemic-shortened season in 2020, Bello looked like a different guy.
His strikeout rate jumped by 40% in 2021 and he started climbing up the prospect rankings.
“It seems like a long way to go from just signing to being on a major league roster,” Bello said through a translator at Fenway Park on Tuesday. “But I just closed my eyes and worked really hard.”
Between three levels in ‘21 and ‘22, Bello posted a 3.14 ERA while striking out a remarkable 246 batters in 180 1/3 innings.
“Everything I hear, stuff-wise, has been outstanding,” Cora said. “It’s not only that, it’s pitchability, everything they have mapped out for him. Use your fastball in this place, work on this pitch, try to do this in this outing. It’s been great.”
Cora said he noticed Bello’s work habits in the offseason while watching his workouts on Instagram. Then he saw how badly Bello wanted to impress during spring training.
“I was like, man this kid, he wants it,” Cora said. “He wants it bad.”
The tricky part will be controlling the hype. It’s been a while since the Sox developed a homegrown starter who stuck. The Sox are hoping it’s Bello.
“I know we get excited about the players, especially in this region,” Cora said. “It seems like they put these kids way up there. Let’s chill tomorrow and let him enjoy it. Whatever happens, happens. This kid is going to be a big part of this organization for a long, long time.”
Bello was in the big league dugout during Tuesday’s game mentally preparing for his start.
“I don’t get too nervous,” he said. “But I’m really happy to get the opportunity to make my MLB debut here at Fenway in front of all the fans. I’ve been working really hard for this moment to be here. I’m excited. I’m just ready to go.” Injury updates
Nathan Eovaldi (lower back inflammation) and Garrett Whitlock (right hip inflammation) faced hitters in live batting practice for two innings of work on Tuesday as they near a return from the injured list.
“Stuff-wise, it was really good, both of them,” Cora said.
Whitlock is likely to need a few rehab outings before he returns, but Cora is hoping he’s ready to pitch for the Red Sox on the upcoming road trip.
Lefty Josh Taylor (back strain) is struggling in his rehab outings, with a 6.23 ERA and 1.85 WHIP over nine appearances between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester.
Lefty Darwinzon Hernandez (knee surgery) struck out the side on 14 pitches for Worcester on Monday in his first minor league game since May 13.
Matt Barnes (shoulder inflammation) could begin a rehab assignment next week.
Kiké Hernandez (hip flexor strain) is likely to begin a rehab assignment this weekend.
Xander Bogaerts was back in the lineup Tuesday after missing one game while recovering from getting seven stitches in his thigh when he was spiked on a stolen base attempt in Sunday’s game.
Rafael Devers and Alex Verdugo were held out of the lineup for routine days of rest.
Sale will throw five innings at Worcester on Wednesday before the Sox decide if he’s ready to make his season debut in the big leagues next week.
Josh Winckowski will pitch for the Red Sox on Thursday and the club is hopeful Michael Wacha (dead arm) can pitch on Friday. Cora has yet to name a starter for Saturday. …
Lefty Jake Diekman and his wife Amanda have set up a Christmas in July fundraiser that will run through Sunday. There will be tables set up throughout Fenway Park to collect donations for pediatric patients being treated at Boston Children’s Hospital.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 3:10:57 GMT -5
Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts explains why won’t be diving for groundballs Bogaerts is playing through a laceration on his thigh
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald July 5, 2022 at 11:48 p.m.
A groundball up the middle is going to be a lot more dangerous against the Red Sox this week than it normally would be.
Their shortstop probably won’t get to it.
Xander Bogaerts missed just one game after suffering a laceration to his thigh on Sunday, but after receiving seven stitches to heal the wound, the training staff told him he shouldn’t be diving for balls for a while.
He avoided at least one chance to dive in the Sox’ 8-4 loss to the Rays on Tuesday, but it was hardly the story as the Rays knocked around Nick Pivetta and ran away with the game.
Afterwards, Bogaerts explained his injury.
“I have a nice bruise but it does feel good,” he said. “I’m just a little worried about diving. That’s the only part that kind of worries me. Maybe some balls, you get a little close. If I want to stay on the field, I have to at least do this for a little bit. It sucks because some balls I know I can dive for but now, honestly, it’s going to be hard.”
Asked if the trainers told him not to dive, he said, “I mean, realistically, you could say that. But I just try afterwards, the later couple innings, try to pad it up more. The game was close. If I had a shot to dive, I had to go for it. Lucky enough I didn’t have to as the game went along. That’s the only thing I kind of worry about.”
The 29-year-old has been a model of durability throughout his career, recording at least 580 plate appearances in each full season he’s been a part of. He rarely accepts a day off and manager Alex Cora usually has to force him to sit the bench.
This year, Bogaerts is playing for a contract as he’s likely to opt out of his team-friendly deal after the season. He’s hitting .318 with an .856 OPS and ranks sixth in the American League with 3.3 WAR.
Still, he hasn’t been happy with his plate approach lately. He has just seven homers and until Tuesday, hadn’t homered in 30 straight games.
“It will come,” he said. “It sucks when you’re hitting up there and all you feel like you can do is just hit a little blooper or an infield knock. Today was different. Worked on a lot of mechanics stuff. Just want to feel right and for a while, I’m not even feeling right at the plate. I’m just standing there in my stance.
“It sucks, bro. Just got to grind on days like that. It’s nothing physical. It’s just, I feel like I couldn’t do much with the baseball. They’re throwing it 95 mph and probably all I can hit is like 70 mph. That sucks, man. It’s the big leagues. But today was a really good feeling, a good step forward and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 3:14:06 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 6h 40 MLB batters have batted with 200 men on base this year, JDM and Bogey are harming the team by not driving more in.
8th - 17.7% - Story 14th - 15.7% - Verdugo 38th - 11.6% - Martinez 39th - 10.8% - Bogaerts
Only Christian Walker is worse at driving in men he has on base.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 6, 2022 5:19:08 GMT -5
Rays @ Red Sox 6th July 2022 7pm @ Fenway Park
Kluber 3-5/3.91
Bello (MLB Debut)
Tampa Bay Rays vs.Boston Red Sox Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 7:10pm EDT Written by Nathaniel Reeves
AL East rivals will close out a key three-game series on Wednesday night when the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Tampa Bay evened the series at one apiece with an 8-4 win to cash in as a +114 underdog. The Rays are now in third place at 44-37, while the Red Sox are one spot ahead at 45-36.
This is just the second series of the season between these teams after the Rays took two of three at home back in late April.
Rays win for fourth time in five games After scuffling at the plate for a few weeks, the Tampa Bay offense has come alive over the last few days to help the Rays steady themselves in a crowded AL Wild Card race. Kevin Kiermaier opened the scoring on Tuesday with a bases-clearing double in the first before recording an RBI fielder's choice in the sixth that put the Rays up for good, with Rene Pinto and Yandy Diaz adding run-scoring singles later in the inning.
Starter Jeffrey Springs went four innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five. Ryan Thompson picked up the win in relief with a scoreless frame. Diaz was on base four times, recording two doubles, an RBI and a run scored.
Tampa Bay remains in negative territory on the money line for the season while going 38-43 on the run line. Overs are an even 38-38-5 for the Rays, with five of their last six games going over the betting total.
It's been a struggle for the Tampa Bay offense, which is averaging just 4.06 runs per game on a .677 team OPS that is fourth-worst in baseball. Tampa Bay's pitching staff has done its best to make up for that with a 3.31 ERA that is fourth-best in the Majors, including a mark of 3.38 from the bullpen.
Isaac Paredes is having a terrific season after coming over in a trade just before Opening Day, posting a .907 OPS with 13 home runs and 27 RBI in just 42 games. Ji-Man Choi is also having a strong campaign at the plate with an .855 OPS, seven homers and 36 RBI.
Corey Kluber is set to make his 16th start of the year, having gone 3-5 with a 3.91 ERA across his first 76 innings as a member of the Rays. The 36-year-old is coming off a rough performance in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday, when he allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks in just three innings, striking out one.
Injuries have been a huge problem for the Rays this season, with catcher Mike Zunino (shoulder inflammation), star second baseman Brandon Lowe (stress reaction in back) and outfielder Manuel Margot (sprained knee) out on the position player side. The rotation is down Yonny Chirinos (fractured elbow), Tyler Glasnow (Tommy John surgery), Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome) and Luis Patino (strained oblique). Some key relievers are also on the IL with Nick Anderson (UCL surgery), JT Chargois (strained oblique), Pete Fairbanks (strained lat), J.P. Feyereisen (shoulder impingement) and Andrew Kitteredge (Tommy John surgery) out.
Red Sox go for key series win A 4-0 victory on Monday over Tampa Bay was a good showing from a Boston pitching staff that had struggled the past few days, but it couldn't maintain the momentum on a rainy Tuesday night at Fenway. Xander Bogaerts launched a two-run homer in the bottom of the first before Trevor Story tied the game with a solo shot the next inning, yet it wasn't enough as Tampa Bay scored the next five runs.
Nick Pivetta was shelled for seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four across 5.2 innings in the loss. J.D. Martinez had a three-hit game including two doubles and a run scored to pace the Boston attack.
The Red Sox are up a solid amount on the money line for the season while going a matching 45-36 on the run line. Overs are 32-40-9 after Tuesday's high-scoring game snapped a run of three straight unders.
This is a powerful Boston offense that ranks sixth in scoring at 4.73 runs per game on a .739 team OPS that is also sixth-best in baseball. Boston pitching is also solidly within the top 10 at a 3.57 collective ERA including a mark of 3.65 from the bullpen.
Rafael Devers is one of the best hitters in baseball with a .327/.383/.579 line, 17 home runs, 46 RBI and 57 runs scored. Martinez has also hit well with a .306/.376/.483 line, eight homers and 33 driven in.
Brayan Bello is expected to be called up for his MLB debut on Wednesday after posting terrific numbers in AAA with a 6-2 record, 2.81 ERA and 72 strikeouts across 51.1 innings. The 23-year-old is considered a top five prospect in Boston's system while also ranking well within the top 100 across baseball overall.
Utilityman Enrique Hernandez is sidelined by a strained hip flexor. The rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with Nathan Eovaldi (lower back inflammation), Rich Hill (sprained knee), James Paxton (Tommy John surgery), Chris Sale (stress reaction in rib) and Garrett Whitlock (hip inflammation) all out. Relievers Matt Barnes (shoulder inflammation) and Josh Taylor (back discomfort) are also sidelined.
Rays at Red Sox Wednesday, at 7:10 PM EST Partly Cloudy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 76° F with a 0% chance of precipitation and 7 MPH wind blowing in in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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