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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 4:02:39 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 7h Nick Pivetta finishes with one run allowed in 5 2/3 innings. He looked better than in any start this month. He now has a 2.33 ERA when facing opponents outside the division, and a 7.57 ERA against the AL East.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 4:03:21 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 6h When the Red Sox can play with a lead and go Schreiber, Whitlock and Houck, they can be a pretty good team. Problem is they've just about never had the lead after six the last three weeks.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 4:15:03 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook: Alex Cora thinks one good week could change trade deadline outlook Sox teetering between being buyers and sellers
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: July 25, 2022 at 7:46 p.m. | UPDATED: July 25, 2022 at 8:06 p.m.
Big market teams within two games of a playoff spot aren’t usually talking about selling pieces at the trade deadline, but the Red Sox recent string of horrid play has led to just that.
They entered Monday’s series with the Cleveland Guardians on a five-game losing streak and in the midst of a stretch in which they’ve gone 3-13 in their last 16 games.
They haven’t lost more than five in a row since a nine-game losing streak during the 2020 season, when the Sox finished in last place.
Manager Alex Cora acknowledged that his team’s “awful” brand of baseball in recent weeks has been concerning, but if the Sox can win three of four against the Cleveland Guardians this week, “the narrative Friday will be different than what it is today.”
“You’ve got to keep playing regardless, that’s the most important thing,” Cora said. “We’re not playing good baseball. We talked about it last year when we went through a stretch (like this), and we’re not doing it now, is playing defense.
“Either the flyballs or double plays or groundballs or throwing to bases, it’s probably like an eight, nine-game streak of making errors and this started before the big series against Tampa and New York. I don’t think we played well in Chicago either. That Friday, we walked 11 guys.”
The Red Sox have made 56 errors this season, 11th-worst in baseball.
In July alone, they’ve made 19 errors, two more than any other team.
This is what happens when guys are playing out of position, which has become an unflattering calling card of this team over the past two years.
Franchy Cordero, an outfielder by trade, has struggled at first base, while Jarren Duran, drafted as a second baseman, has made a mess of it in center field. Jeter Downs, a shortstop who has played second and third base, hasn’t been able to make several routine plays.
“But at the end, you sit down today and you’re like, ‘We’re right there,’” Cora said. “We start playing well, we get hot, and it’s not about getting hot, it’s about playing well. You start playing good baseball, we’ll be fine. We’re very talented. We know that we have guys coming off the injured list and they’re going to contribute.
“But, at the same time, the guys that are here, we have to do a better job.” Draft pick compensation update
There was some important news in Major League Baseball on Monday that could affect how the Red Sox handle the trade deadline.
MLB and the MLB Players Union were unable to come to an agreement on an international draft system that would overhaul the way foreign players are signed. Monday was the deadline to come to an agreement.
As a bargaining chip, MLB said it would not eliminate the qualifying offer system without the MLBPA agreeing to an international draft, which means the qualifying offer system will continue.
The Red Sox have three guys who will likely receive a qualifying offer, which is a one-year contract based on the average salary of the top-125 players in the game.
Xander Bogaerts, assuming he opts out of his team-friendly deal, J.D. Martinez and Nathan Eovaldi are candidates to receive one. If they turn it down, the Sox would be rewarded with a draft pick after the fourth round if the players sign with another team in free agency.
It’s a small bonus, but one worth considering as the Sox mull a trade deadline selloff that would rid them of cornerstone players.
Don’t forget, Mookie Betts was a fifth-round draft pick. Arroyo, Hill nearing rehab assignments
The Red Sox could send a pair of injured players, Christian Arroyo and Rich Hill, out on rehab assignments this week.
Arroyo has been out with a left groin strain since July 8, the night he lost a ball in the lights while playing right field that seemingly set off a string of terrible defense by the Red Sox.
They sure could use him as they’ve been playing Jeter Downs and Yolmer Sanchez in the infield while Trevor Story and Rafael Devers are both on the injured list. Both Downs and Sanchez have spent the majority of the season in Triple-A Worcester.
Hill, who hurt his left knee on July 1, is likely to go on a rehab assignment on Wednesday and could return in time for the Sox’ series in Houston on Monday, Cora said.
J.D. Martinez (back spasms) remained out of the lineup and hasn’t made an appearance since he went 0-for-2 in the All-Star Game last Tuesday.
“He’s feeling better, not there yet,” Cora said. “He is available. Just a little bit tight. We’ll see. In an emergency or in a big at-bat, maybe.”
Rob Refsnyder got the start as the designated hitter and was batting second.
Josh Winckowski (COVID-19) is scheduled to return Tuesday and start on the mound against the Guardians.
The Sox could soon get Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation) back from the injured list. He threw a simulated game on Monday afternoon, though Cora said he looked slow at first and struggled to get his breaking ball over on his glove side.
“I don’t want to say limited, but he’s cautious about it,” Cora said. “I think overall, he was really good.”
Story, who was hit on the hand in Tampa two weeks ago and hasn’t played since, took batting practice for the first time on Monday, a “good sign,” Cora said.
USA Baseball announced that Story would be participating in the World Baseball Classic next winter, the first time the WBC has been played since 2017.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 4:25:17 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 6h The biggest forthcoming annoyance is going to be Seattle's disgustingly easy second half schedule, especially how they close out the season. The White Sox are about to feast as well.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 4:32:33 GMT -5
Guardians @ Red Sox Tuesday, 26th July 2022 David Ortiz being celebrated pre game 7pm @ Fenway
Shaw 4-2/ 5.29
Winckowski 3-4/4.38
Cleveland Guardians vs. Boston Red Sox Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 7:10pm EDT Written by David Delano
Two teams fighting to move up into a playoff position will meet on Tuesday for the second contest in a four-game series when the Boston Red Sox host the Cleveland Guardians. The Red Sox swept the Guardians in Cleveland when these two teams met June 24-26. Monday's series opener had not yet started at the time of this prediction, and the starting pitching matchup was also not yet available.
Not flashy, but hanging around The Cleveland Guardians opened up the second half of the season by splitting a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox. Heading into Fenway Park, Cleveland is three games behind the Twins for first in the AL Central and two games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final Wild Card spot in the American League. The Guardians roster is relatively healthy right now regarding their top players.
Cleveland is 16th in MLB scoring 4.4 runs per game, but the lineup lacks power, ranking 29th with 74 home runs. The pitching staff is 15th with a 3.90 ERA, and in the field, the club is 12th in defensive efficiency. Jose Ramirez leads the team with a 4.0 WAR, 19 home runs, 78 RBI, and is tied with Myles Straw for the club-best 13 stolen bases.
Heading into Monday, the Guardians are just 1-5 in their last six games played at Fenway Park and 3-9 in their last 12 road games overall.
Red Sox struggling to keep pace while dealing with injuries The Red Sox have been up and down this season. After getting off to a sluggish 11-20 start, Boston went on to win 31 of its next 42 games. Recently, Boston has cooled down and struggled with injuries. After opening up the second half by being swept in three games by the Blue Jays, the Sox have now lost 13 of their last 16 games. Amongst the key injuries are J.D Martinez, who is questionable for Tuesday, along with Trevor Story and Rafael Devers, who are not expected back until August.
The home fans didn't have much to cheer about over the weekend, as the Blue Jays came to Fenway Park and outscored the Sox 40-10 in the three-game series. Heading into Monday's game against Cleveland, the Red Sox found themselves only half a game ahead of Baltimore to avoid the last spot in the AL East. The Red Sox are currently three games out of the final Wild Card spot.
The Red Sox are 11th in MLB averaging 4.6 runs per game, and 17th with 97 home runs. The pitching staff is 23rd with a 4.32 ERA, and the club is 22nd in defensive efficiency. Rookie right-handed pitcher Josh Winckowski (3-4, 4.38 ERA) is expected to make his seventh career start on Tuesday. He faced Cleveland on June 25 and got the win allowed two runs, six hits, and a walk in 5 1/3 innings on the road.
Guardians at Red Sox Tuesday, at 7:10 PM EST Partly Cloudy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 77° F with a 0% chance of precipitation and 7 MPH wind blowing left to right in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 6:37:31 GMT -5
Losing streak over, Red Sox chase another win over Guardians FLM
The Boston Red Sox will look to go back-to-back in the win column for the first time since July 9-10 as their four-game home series against the Cleveland Guardians continues on Tuesday night.
A loss on Monday would have sent the Red Sox into their longest losing streak of the season, but Boston's five-game skid was snapped thanks to a pair of sixth-inning runs in a 3-1 win over Cleveland.
It was Boston's first win when scoring three or fewer runs since June 12 and the Red Sox's fourth victory in as many games against the Guardians this season.
"We grinded it out," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "At the plate it wasn't perfect, but when you get into stretches like this, you give yourself a chance by playing defense."
Cora credited right fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and catcher Christian Vazquez for strong play in the field. Bradley doubled and scored a run as he extended his hitting streak to five games.
Alex Verdugo hit an RBI double off the Green Monster to give Boston a one-run lead in the sixth and the eventual win. He is 5-for-15 with two RBIs in four games since the All-Star break.
"Just being in a close game, it felt good to get those two runs and get the lead, finally, late in the ballgame," Verdugo told NESN postgame. "We're excited. It's been awhile."
After being on the COVID-related injured list on July 14, Josh Winckowski (3-4, 4.38 ERA) is slated to make the start for Boston on Tuesday. The rookie is set for his eighth start of the season.
Cora said Winckowski hadn't cleared MLB's COVID protocol before Monday.
The right-hander lost three straight starts before going on the injured list. He will look for his first win since June 25 in Cleveland, where he threw 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball in his lone career appearance against the Guardians.
Cleveland had won five straight before losing the final two to split a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox last weekend. The Guardians have just eight runs over their past three games after a 25-run stretch over the previous three.
The series opener saw the Guardians go 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and squander a decent effort from starter Zach Plesac, who gave up three runs on three hits in five-plus innings.
"It was kind of an odd night," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "He didn't give up many hits; there was some traffic. ... I thought he competed like crazy."
Jose Ramirez continues to be a key cog in the Cleveland lineup as he went 2-for-4 and collected his 11th RBI in the past seven games. He has 79 RBIs for the season, second in the American League to the 81 of the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge.
While Winckowski recently was penciled back into his spot in the rotation, Cleveland's scheduled starting pitcher for Tuesday was unknown as of Tuesday morning.
Bryan Shaw could be used to open a bullpen game as Aaron Civale -- a product of Boston's Northeastern University -- will be sidelined until next month with a sore wrist.
Shaw (4-2, 5.29 ERA) has never started a game in 12 major league seasons and 732 appearances. His longest outing this year was a scoreless two-inning stint against the Detroit Tigers on July 15. Shaw gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings during a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 6:39:30 GMT -5
Buster Olney @buster_ESPN 48m The Jays, Mariners have separated themselves a bit from the other wildcard contenders, with four teams bunched together around that last wildcard spot -- the Red Sox (49-48), Guardians (48-47), Orioles (48-48), White Sox (48-48). Some really interesting buy or sell choices loom
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 26, 2022 7:19:36 GMT -5
Jomboy @jomboy_ Red Sox in July
5 Wins - 15 Losses -72 Run Differential
and if you put the ball in play against them the odds are you're going to have a good time It's been brutal. Extremely brutal. One of the worse runs that I can remember. They have been playing really bad mentally as well as physically.
It was nice to scratch out a win last night. The Sox finally played fundamentally well. They must have a mental block playing against the AL East. Last night's win won't mean a whole lot, though, if they turn back into pumpkins for the rest of this series.
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 26, 2022 7:23:01 GMT -5
Cora doesn't have much choice, does he?
You can blame Bloom, but it's difficult for any team to cover the depth of that many injuries.
Also, RedSoxStats brought up a good point about how other teams bottom of the line up isn't any better than ours. The RBI producers, namely Bogaerts and JD, are not their jobs.
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 26, 2022 7:24:49 GMT -5
Christ, he will be hurt anyway Alex Speier @alexspeier · 1h Cora on Story taking part in the WBC: “Go and play. It’s a great tournament.” Cora said he’d love to manage in the WBC but can’t because of the rules. Cora is advocating for Ramón Vázquez to manage Puerto Rico. I enjoy watching the WBC.
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 26, 2022 7:29:36 GMT -5
0-11 in July, but only 7 starts by the regulars, one of which was the game Sale got hurt. But we finally got a good game from Pivetta. Now we need a good game from Eovaldi and go from there. Last night's game was a start. One game at a time.
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Post by Kimmi on Jul 26, 2022 7:34:03 GMT -5
Buster Olney @buster_ESPN 48m The Jays, Mariners have separated themselves a bit from the other wildcard contenders, with four teams bunched together around that last wildcard spot -- the Red Sox (49-48), Guardians (48-47), Orioles (48-48), White Sox (48-48). Some really interesting buy or sell choices loom The difficult part for Bloom is all the injuries that we're dealing with. This could be a completely different team when healthy, but most players won't return from the IL until early August.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 8:44:06 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox will honor David Ortiz with pregame ceremony Tuesday, ask fans to be in seats by 6:30 p.m. Published: Jul. 26, 2022, 8:00 a.m. By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com BOSTON -- David Ortiz was enshrined in Cooperstown on Sunday afternoon. On Tuesday, he’ll be honored by the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Sox are honoring Ortiz with a pregame ceremony before their game against the Guardians on Tuesday evening. The team requested that fans be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. ET for the ceremony. Here are full details from the team: Two days after his enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, the Red Sox will honor Hall of Famer David Ortiz in pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park preceding tomorrow’s July 26 match up against the Cleveland Guardians. Fans attending the game are asked to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. for the ceremony, presented by eternalHealth. Commemorative David Ortiz pins, presented by Zenni, will be distributed to all fans at the gates. Special Hall of Fame t-shirts featuring Ortiz wearing a gold crown will be mailed to fans as part of special ticket package available on redsox.com/ortiznight. The t-shirt will also be available for purchase at the Red Sox Team Store. A photo of the commemorative pin and Hall of Fame t-shirt is attached. Additional Hall of Fame gear will also be available for purchase near Gate A to raise funds for the David Ortiz Children’s Fund via eternalHealth, a Massachusetts based Medicare Advantage Plan Health Insurance Company and presenting sponsor of tomorrow’s pre-game ceremony. One hundred percent of net proceeds will help children in New England and the Dominican Republic who cannot afford the critical cardiac services they need. The pregame ceremony will also be available via live stream at redsox.com/ortizpregame.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 13:13:25 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox roster moves: Phillips Valdez DFA’d; Darwinzon Hernandez to be optioned, Josh Winckowski to be activated
Published: Jul. 26, 2022, 1:33 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox have designated right-handed reliever Phillips Valdez for assignment, according to the WooSox game notes.
The Red Sox also are expected to make two additional roster moves before their game against the Guardians on Tuesday.
Lefty Darwinzon Hernandez will be optioned back to Worcester, as MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo reported after Monday’s game.
Righty Josh Winckowski (3-4, 4.38 ERA, seven starts) will be activated from the COVID-related IL. He will start for Boston against the Guardians.
Valdez has a 4.41 ERA (16 ⅓ innings, eight earned runs), 3.92 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in 13 relief outings this season. He posted a 4.67 ERA in 65 relief outings for Boston from 2020-22.
Hernandez allowed five earned runs in 3 ⅔ innings during his brief stint with Boston this year.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 26, 2022 13:43:30 GMT -5
Game 98: Guardians at Red Sox lineups and notes, plus it’s David Ortiz night at Fenway ParkBy Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated July 26, 2022, 11:29 a.m. Having snapped their five-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over Cleveland Monday night, the Red Sox will look to make it two in a row when the teams continue their four-game series at Fenway Park Tuesday. Perhaps they should keep wearing the yellow jerseys. The Sox improved to 6-0 when wearing the Nike City Connect uniforms this season, and are 12-2 (.857) since unveiling them in 2021. Rookie Josh Winckowski will be on the mound for the Red Sox. Before the game, the Red Sox will honor David Ortiz, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m. for the Ortiz ceremony. Here is a preview of the game. Lineups GUARDIANS (48-47): 1. Steven Kwan (L) LF 2. Amed Rosario (R) SS 3. Jose Ramirez (S) 3B 4. Josh Naylor (L) DH 5. Owen Miller (R) 1B 6. Andres Gimenez (L) 2B 7. Nolan Jones (L) RF 8. Austin Hedges (R) C 9. Myles Straw (R) CF Pitching: RHP Bryan Shaw (4-2, 5.29 ERA) RED SOX (49-48): 1. Rob Refsnyder (R) RF 2. Alex Verdugo (L) LF 3. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS 4. J.D. Martinez (R) DH 5. Christian Vazquez (R) 1B 6. Kevin Plawecki (R) C 7. Yolmer Sanchez (S) 2B 8. Bobby Dalbec (R) 3B 9. Jaylin Davis (R) CF Pitching: RHP Josh Winckowski (3-4, 4.38 ERA) Time: 7:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Guardians vs. Winckowski: Andrés Giménez 1-2, Austin Hedges 0-2, Steven Kwan 1-2, Owen Miller 1-2, José Ramírez 0-2, Franmil Reyes 1-3, Amed Rosario 1-3, Myles Straw 0-2 Red Sox vs. Shaw: Xander Bogaerts 1-9, Jackie Bradley Jr. 1-5, Franchy Cordero 0-1, Bobby Dalbec 0-2, Jarren Duran 0-2, J.D. Martinez 5-13, Kevin Plawecki 1-2, Rob Refsnyder 0-2, Yolmer Sánchez 2-10, Alex Verdugo 0-4, Christian Vázquez 1-4 Stat of the day: The Red Sox have won each of their four games against the Guardians this season. Notes: After being placed on the COVID-related injured list on July 14, Winckowski is set for his eighth start of the season. He is looking for his first win since June 25 in Cleveland, where he threw 5 ⅓ innings of two-run ball in his lone career appearance against the Guardians. … The Guardians have just eight runs over their past three games after a 25-run stretch over the previous three. … Shaw has never started a game in 12 major league seasons and 732 appearances. His longest outing this year was a scoreless two-inning stint against the Detroit Tigers on July 15. Shaw gave up two runs in 1 ⅔ innings during a loss to the White Sox on Saturday. Song of the Day: Soul Asylum - Miserywww.youtube.com/watch?v=GLQ2TIul8pI
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