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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:14:54 GMT -5
Rays @ Red Sox Friday, 26th August 2022 7pm @ Fenway
Chargois 0-0/000
Wacha 8-1/2.28
Rays ride hot streak into series vs. skidding Red Sox FLM
The Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox are trending in opposite directions as they open a three-game series on Friday night.
Tampa Bay visits Boston having won six consecutive games -- good for the longest active streak in the majors -- and 11 of 13, including a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels this week.
Meanwhile, the challenge won't be any easier for the Red Sox, who have lost four straight and six of seven after being swept by the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game set to start the week.
"We've got to be better, that's the bottom line," said Boston manager Alex Cora, whose team finished its most recent series with consecutive 10-inning losses. "We have to make a conscious effort (to use) the whole field. ... It's not just here. It's everywhere. Winning teams do that."
The Red Sox left 12 runners on base and were 3-for-20 with runners in scoring position during their 6-5 setback to the Blue Jays on Thursday. In a tie game, they got a leadoff triple in the eighth inning, and they loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth inning, but they failed to score both times.
On the same day, the Rays topped the Angels 8-3 to move a season-high 14 games above .500.
"I think there's probably a little bit more trust in there now that we've got guys that there's a lot of confidence that they can put the bat on the ball," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "And then you take Randy (Arozarena), the way he's swung the bat here as of late, that gives you confidence."
Arozarena has five homers and 15 RBIs in his past 15 games.
Manuel Margot (right patellar tendon strain) and Harold Ramirez (fractured right thumb) have both provided a spark for the Rays since returning from recent injuries.
Margot's four-hit effort on Thursday included a two-RBI triple in Tampa Bay's five-run third inning. He is 7-for-21 in five games since coming off the injured list.
"Love having him back," said Drew Rasmussen, the starting pitcher who tied his career high with nine strikeouts on Thursday. "He's such a spark. Just his personality really helps. But on top of it, he's such a good player."
Ramirez knocked in three runs on Thursday, giving him nine RBIs in his first nine games back from the IL.
JT Chargois (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will open Friday's game for Tampa Bay, with Ryan Yarbrough (1-7, 4.43) expected to work the bulk of the innings.
Chargois returned this week after he was on the injured list since April 9 due to left oblique tightness. He appeared in relief twice in the just-concluded Angels series, yielding one run, which was unearned, in two innings.
The Rays have had a tremendous run, allowing just 16 runs in their past eight games. Their pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 12 of the past 13 games.
"We know how good this team can be," Margot said. "We know what we've got to do to compete, and thank God that everyone stays healthy."
The Boston rotation turns to Michael Wacha (8-1, 2.28 ERA) at the perfect time. The righty has thrown back-to-back scoreless starts against the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees since being reinstated from the injured list on Aug. 14. He had been sidelined since late June due to right shoulder inflammation.
Most recently, Wacha held the Orioles to four hits over 5 2/3 innings last Saturday. On Aug. 14, he struck out nine Yankees across seven innings of two-hit ball.
"I'm just trying to pick up where I left off, and that's getting ahead of guys and then putting them away as quickly as possible," he said.
Wacha, who leads the Boston staff in ERA, has walked just 10 batters over his last nine starts covering 52 1/3 innings.
"You look up and his numbers are real," Cora said. "He's pitching five, six, and seven innings. Complete games when it matters, and we missed him for a while."
--Field Level Media
Rays at Red Sox Friday, at 7:10 PM EST Rainy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 72° F with a 35% chance of rain and 9 MPH wind blowing out in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:18:13 GMT -5
SP Probables
Saturday...4pm...Springs 6-3/2.46 vs Hill 5-5/4.68
Sunday..1:30pm..Kluber 8-7/4.20 vs Pivetta 9-4/4.24
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:30:42 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Trevor Story homers in three-hit rehab game for Portland, will be reevaluated Friday
Updated: Aug. 25, 2022, 9:24 p.m.|Published: Aug. 25, 2022, 8:39 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story went 3-for-4 with a homer, RBI single, double and two runs in the second game of his rehab assignment for Double-A Portland on Thursday.
He played seven innings at second base.
The 29-year-old hasn’t appeared in a major league game since July 12 because of a small hairline fracture near his right wrist. He initially was diagnosed with a right hand contusion after he got hit by an 89 mph sinker from Rays’ Corey Kluber.
Manager Alex Cora said he saw a video of Story’s swing from his first rehab game Wednesday when he went 0-for-1 with a walk, run and RBI sacrifice fly.
“Seems like there’s some adjustments there, too, which is good,” Cora said before Thursday’s game here at Fenway Park.
Cora said Story will be here at Fenway Park on Friday to be reevaluated. He won’t be activated, Cora added.
Story remains second on the Red Sox in homers (15) and RBIs (58) despite being sidelined for more than a month.
Other injuries
~ Nathan Eovaldi (IL, right shoulder inflammation) “felt good” after he played catch Thursday, Cora said. “We might get him on the mound tomorrow, throw a bullpen. That’s moving fast,” Cora said.
~ Tanner Houck (IL, lower back inflammation) continued to throw on flat ground Thursday. “With Tanner, he’s moving along (with) his progression,” Cora said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:31:44 GMT -5
Alex Cora after ugly Boston Red Sox loss: ‘We haven’t been good for a while (offensively). We’re supposed to hit. It hasn’t happened’
Updated: Aug. 26, 2022, 2:25 a.m.|Published: Aug. 26, 2022, 1:14 a.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Reese McGuire tripled to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning but the Red Sox failed to score. Bobby Dalbec and Tommy Pham struck out swinging. Rafael Devers grounded out.
J.D. Martinez singled and Xander Bogaerts doubled to lead off the ninth. The Blue Jays intentionally walked Christian Arroyo to load the bases with no outs.
But Boston again failed to score.
Franchy Cordero struck out swinging and Kiké Hernández grounded into a 5-3 double play.
The Red Sox lost 6-5 to the Blue Jays in 10 innings here at Fenway Park on Thursday.
Toronto plated its extra-inning automatic runner on George Springer’s fielder’s choice to shortstop. Bogaerts’ throw home was late. Cavan Biggio slid in with the go-ahead run.
“It’s got to be better, man. That’s the bottom line,” manager Alex Cora said. “You see the difference with them. You see George putting the ball in play. ... They didn’t get a single in the last inning. It was a ground ball to the shortstop (that) advanced the runner. Put the ball in play with two strikes and great baserunning play and they score.”
Boston went 3-for-20 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base.
“Offensively, it’s been going on for a while,” Cora said. “We haven’t been good for a while. We’re supposed to hit. It hasn’t happened.”
Why not Alex Verdugo as a pinch hitter for Cordero in the ninth?
“He wasn’t available to hit,” Cora said about Verdugo. “Had some stuff going on. He was available to pinch run today.”
Cora said the Red Sox need to make a conscious effort to use the whole field in situations where contact must be made with two strikes and a runner at third.
“We haven’t done that and that’s on us,” Cora said. “We’ve gotta keep preaching that. We’ve gotta be better.”
Cora also pointed out the Red Sox need to be more patient in those situations.
“I think we’re better than that,” Cora said. “You’ve gotta take your walks, too, in those situations. They’re not going to give in. Springer walked like three times today. And he had men in scoring position and just passed the baton. That’s the difference right now between us and other teams.”
The impatient Red Sox walked just twice while Blue Jays hitters drew seven walks.
“It’s baseball, I guess, from a perspective of crazy stuff happens this time of year,” hitting coach Pete Fatse said. “We’re battling for wins. I don’t want to stay it’s disbelief. I think it’s one of those things where we have to continue to work in those situations to get pitches we want to hit. When we get those opportunities, we’ve got to put the ball in play and move the ball forward. It’s something we’ve been talking about all year. It’s something we’ve done poorly, we’ve done really well at times. It’s just we have to keep it going. We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas there.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:56:19 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Paxton (Grade 2 lat tear) out for '22 3:09 AM ADT
Keep track of the Red Sox’s recent transactions and injury updates throughout the season. LATEST NEWS
Aug. 25: LHP James Paxton (left lat tear) won't pitch in '22 The Red Sox were hopeful Paxton would play a role down the stretch once he was fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, but it won't happen thanks to another injury. On Aug. 18, Paxton injured his left lat after recording just two outs in his first Minor League rehab start. The Sox announced Wednesday that a recent MRI on Paxton showed he has a Grade 2 tear in that left lat, which rules him out for the remainder of the 2022 season. Boston holds a dual club option on Paxton for '23-24 which would pay him $13 million per season. Paxton also has a $4 million player option.
"We’ll see how it goes," said manager Alex Cora. "We saw the guy making progress and getting to the point where he was actually getting to throw real games and then that happens. As far as his arm and all that, we were very excited about it. Now, it’s just see what we decide and what he decides. We’ll get there when we get there.”
10-day and 15-day IL
2B Trevor Story (hairline fracture, right wrist) Expected return: Late August/Early September In the second game of his Minor League rehab assignment, Story had a big night at the plate for Double-A Portland, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs on Aug. 25. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Story will get the day off on Aug. 26, then come back to Fenway Park to be evaluated by the team's training staff. The second baseman last played for Boston on July 12. The Sox are keeping it open as to how many rehab games Story will need. (Last updated: Aug. 25)
RHP Nathan Eovaldi (right shoulder inflammation) Expected return: Sept. 3 at earliest Eovaldi looked strong playing catch on Aug. 25, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the righty is making such strong progress that he might throw a bullpen session at Fenway Park on Aug. 26. Eovaldi was placed on the 15-day IL on Aug. 23, retroactive to Aug. 19. The right-hander was scratched from his Aug. 18 start in Pittsburgh due to a sore trap muscle. Eovaldi last pitched on Aug. 12 against the Yankees, surrendering two runs over six innings.
"That's moving fast, for now," said Cora. (Last updated: Aug. 25)
RHP Tanner Houck (lower back inflammation) Expected return: September Houck is making progress from his injury and the Red Sox remain "hopeful" he can pitch again this season. Houck was placed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 9, retroactive to Aug. 6. On Aug. 25, he looked comfortable playing catch on flat ground.
"With Tanner, it's moving along, his progression," said manager Alex Cora. (Last updated: Aug. 25)
LHP Josh Taylor (lower back strain) Expected return: Iffy for this season Taylor has had repeated issues with his back and hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues this season, and it's unclear if he will. He continues to play catch, but typically hits a plateau when he tries to do more.
"Taylor is just moving around, just trying to get to the point that he’s having consistent days," said manager Alex Cora. "I talked to him [Aug. 24] a little bit. He’s a little bit frustrated. He’s been up and down, up and down, up and down, [and] he still feels it certain days. The day he threw that live BP, the first 15 pitches were great, and the last five, he wasn’t as good. Just been tough for him just to bounce back.” (Last updated: Aug. 25)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 3:57:10 GMT -5
How to watch Rays-Red Sox for free on Apple TV+ on Fri.August 25th, 2022 Friday's game between the Rays and Red Sox -- featuring two teams vying for an AL Wild Card spot -- is airing exclusively on Apple TV+. It is not available on your local cable provider or MLB.TV. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. But don’t worry, the game can be watched for free here. All you need is an Apple ID. A breakdown on how to watch the game is below. For more information about how to access "Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV+, visit the Apple Knowledge Base. How to Watch: No subscription is needed to watch "Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV+. To access “Friday Night Baseball” games on Apple TV+, just follow these steps: Launch the Apple TV app and select the game directly from there, OR From the MLB.TV app, tap on Apple TV+ Game to be redirected to the Apple TV app (where available), OR Visit tv.apple.com/ and log in with or create an Apple ID. Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need to have an Apple account to watch the free games? Yes. You need to have an Apple ID. Your Apple ID is the account you use across all your Apple devices, including your iPhone. Learn how to create a new Apple ID here. How do I sign in to watch the free games on Apple TV+? Log in with your Apple ID. Learn how to watch Friday Night Baseball here. Do I need to enter payment information to watch the free games? No. Payment information is not required to watch. On what devices can I watch the games? See all the ways to watch Apple TV+ here. In which countries can I watch these games? Games on Apple TV+ will be available in the following locations in addition to the United States: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Korea and Mexico. Notable Features: Design: If you use other Apple products, many of the Apple TV+ broadcast elements -- such as the starting lineup graphics -- will look familiar and consistent. The clean and simple design aesthetic features the company’s classic “SF Pro” typeface. Cameras: The broadcasts make use of a “Megalodon” camera, which produces extremely high-resolution shots, with a shallow depth of field. That creates a sharp focus on the subject of the shot -- a cinematic look that adds to the drama of the moment. Integrated stats: If you’re a fan of baseball and numbers, “Friday Night Baseball” has introduced a new feature that will keep you entertained all game long. The integrated stats function -- displayed unobtrusively in the bottom right of the screen -- presents continually refreshed probability figures on a pitch-by-pitch basis. The metric in question rotates and constantly takes into account the specific game situation. For example, what is the probability of the batter producing an RBI when facing a 2-1 pitch with runners on first and second and one out? Tune tracker: Walk-up music is a way for hitters to show their taste and connect with fans, and “Friday Night Baseball” is kicking that experience up a notch for viewers at home. When a home-team batter comes to the plate for the first time in the game, an Apple Music pop-up in the lower right will identify his walk-up song. Fresh perspectives: The Apple TV+ broadcasts are placing an emphasis on having a new and diverse group of voices calling the games. One crew features Melanie Newman (play-by-play), Hannah Keyser (analyst) and Brooke Fletcher (reporter), along with former MLB outfielder Chris Young (analyst). The other crew consists of Stephen Nelson (play-by-play) and another former outfielder, Hunter Pence (analyst), alongside Katie Nolan (analyst) and Heidi Watney (reporter).
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 4:13:13 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Red Sox lefthander James Paxton has Grade 2 lat tear, will not pitch this season By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated August 25, 2022, 5:35 p.m.
An MRI revealed that Red Sox lefthander James Paxton has a Grade 2 tear in his left lat muscle and will not pitch this season, manager Alex Cora said before Thursday night’s 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays.
Paxton, who was working his way back from Tommy John surgery, recently pitched in a rehab game in the Florida Complex League. The outing lasted only two batters, however, before Paxton had to be removed.
This latest injury news comes when the Red Sox are in dire need of arms as their season sputters. Nate Eovaldi is on the injured list because of shoulder inflammation. Chris Sale (fractured wrist) is out for the season.
While the Sox knew Paxton would not be able to contribute much as he continued his rehab, they were hopeful he would pitch down the stretch.
“It’s hard because I saw the progress,” Cora said. “I saw the stuff and we know the player. When he’s healthy, he’s really good.
“The fact that he was going to throw two or three innings that day [in the FCL], I was like, OK, he might be here in September. But like I always say in these cases, it’s more about the person. I can’t imagine having to go through the whole process and this is what happens.”
The gamble to sign Paxton cost the Red Sox $6 million this year without him pitching an inning. Paxton’s deal includes a $4 million player option for 2023, which he can exercise if the Sox decline $13 million team options for 2023 and ‘24 at the end of this season.
Given Paxton’s injury history, it would be a stretch to see the Sox picking up the combined $26 million option over the next two seasons.
Paxton dealt with a left flexor strain while with the Yankees in 2020. The last time Paxton pitched in a major league game was April 6, 2021, while with the Mariners. He lasted just 1⅓ innings and ultimately underwent Tommy John surgery. This lat tear doesn’t help Paxton’s case.
Nevertheless, Paxton, who turns 34 in November, could opt in to the team-friendly deal at $4 million next year, utilizing the season to prove he’s healthy. If Paxton does that and pitches at a level similar to his past production, he could be in line for a more lucrative contract heading into 2024.
“He’ll pitch at the big league level [again],” Cora said. “And at some point he’s going to be dominant.” Comeback Story
Trevor Story played in his second rehab game for Double A Portland Thursday. Story, who played seven innings at second base, went 3 for 4 with an RBI single, double, and a home run, scoring two runs. Story will travel to Boston after the game. The Red Sox will evaluate him and make a decision from there … Tanner Houck (back) is progressing well, Cora said, and threw on flat ground Thursday … Eovaldi could throw off a mound Friday … The Red Sox welcome the Rays to town for a three-game set beginning Friday. The Sox will have Michael Wacha on the mound Friday, followed by Rich Hill Saturday, and Nick Pivetta Sunday. The Rays’ Friday night starter is still to be determined. Lefthander Jeffrey Springs will have Saturday’s start, followed by Corey Kluber on Sunday … The Sox are 2-8 against the Rays this season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 11:28:40 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 1h Over the last two weeks, Bogaerts has five (5) hard hit balls. Devers leads the Sox with 20, Olson leads MLB with 29. His 16% hard hit rate over the two last week is ahead of only Magneuris Sierra, Nick Madrigal, Geraldo Perdomo, and David Fletcher. Actually stunning.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 13:24:30 GMT -5
Game 126: Rays at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated August 26, 2022, 10:20 a.m. After getting swept by the Blue Jays, the Red Sox will host another American League East opponent when the Tampa Bay Rays come to Fenway Park for a three-game series this weekend. Thursday night’s 6-5 loss was the fifth time the Sox were swept this season, and the fourth at home. The Rays have won six straight and 11 of 13. They own the top wild-card spot and trail the Yankees for the division lead by 7½ games. The Sox are trending in the opposite direction, losers of four straight and six of seven to drop five games below .500. They will turn to Michael Wacha for Friday’s opener. Lineups RAYS (69-55): 1. Yandy Diaz (R) 3B 2. Brandon Lowe (L) 2B 3. Randy Arozarena (R) RF 4. Harold Ramirez (R) DH 5. David Peralta (L) LF 6. Jose Siri (R) CF 7. Francisco Mejia (S) C 8. Ji-Man Choi (L) 1B 9. Taylor Walls (S) SS Pitching: RHP JT Chargois (1-0, 0.00 ERA) RED SOX (60-65): 1. Tommy Pham (R) LF 2. Alex Verdugo (L) RF 3. J.D. Martinez (R) DH 4. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS 5. Christian Arroyo (R) 3B 6. Franchy Cordero (L) 1B 7. Enrique Hernandez (R) 2B 8. Kevin Plawecki (R) C 9. Jarren Duran (L) CF Pitching: RHP Michael Wacha (8-1, 2.28 ERA) Time: 7:10 p.m. TV, radio: Apple TV+, WEEI-FM 93.7 Rays vs. Wacha: Randy Arozarena 1-6, Ji-Man Choi 0-1, Yandy Díaz 1-2, Brandon Lowe 1-6, Manuel Margot 4-13, David Peralta 0-10, Harold Ramírez 2-4 Red Sox vs. Chargois: Xander Bogaerts 2-3, Franchy Cordero 0-1, Bobby Dalbec 0-2, Rafael Devers 0-1, Jarren Duran 0-1, Kiké Hernández 0-1, J.D. Martinez 1-10, Kevin Plawecki 0-1 Stat of the day: Arozarena has five homers and 15 RBIs in his past 15 games. Notes: Wacha has thrown consecutive scoreless starts against the Orioles and the Yankees since being reinstated from the injured list on Aug. 14. Wacha leads the staff in ERA and has walked 10 batters over his last nine starts spanning 52⅓ innings. … Reese McGuire has hit .415 in 14 games since he was acquired from the White Sox on Aug. 1. … Chargois will serve as Tampa’s opener, with Ryan Yarbrough (1-7, 4.43) expected to work the bulk of the innings. … The Rays have been stingy, allowing 16 runs in their past eight games. Their pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in 12 of the past 13 games. … Margot is 7-for-21 in five games since coming off the injured list. Song of the Day: Lou Reed - Walk On The Wild Sidewww.youtube.com/watch?v=oG6fayQBm9w
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 15:03:42 GMT -5
front office likely doing a rain danceAlex Speier @alexspeier · 34m #tarpaulin
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 16:42:06 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox weather: Friday’s game vs. Rays expected to be played but rain, thunderstorms are in forecast
Updated: Aug. 26, 2022, 5:25 p.m.|Published: Aug. 26, 2022, 5:17 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — The Red Sox expect the weather to clear up enough to play their game against the Rays on Friday here at Fenway Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. but the game could be delayed.
The tarp is on the field. There were severe thunderstorms at around 4:50 p.m. Rain is falling now.
“Should be OK,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “For everything I hear, we’ll play. So we’ll just have to wait and see.”
The precipitation potential is 53% at 7 p.m., 43% at 8 p.m., 28% at 9 p.m. and 17% at 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Per the National Weather Service’s detailed forecast in the Fenway area tonight, “A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.”
Right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha is scheduled to start for the Red Sox. Rafael Devers is not in the starting lineup. He’s receiving a routine day off.
Christian Arroyo will play third base and Kiké Hernández is at second base.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 16:46:22 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 1h Alex Cora says the Red Sox expect the game to be played tonight.
Story is playing again in Portland tonight. Cora discussed how the Sox have missed his power, baserunning, and defense.
Eovaldi threw a 25-pitch bullpen and feels fine. He’s likely to throw another bullpen with a possible rehab game after that.
Cora on whether lack of homers is shocking: “Yes…We expected more homers from our lineup.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 26, 2022 16:47:30 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 29m The skies have brightened considerably at Fenway. Rays pitchers are in left field playing catch.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Aug 26, 2022 18:24:16 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 1h Over the last two weeks, Bogaerts has five (5) hard hit balls. Devers leads the Sox with 20, Olson leads MLB with 29. His 16% hard hit rate over the two last week is ahead of only Magneuris Sierra, Nick Madrigal, Geraldo Perdomo, and David Fletcher. Actually stunning. Good analysis. But in the past 28 days, the OPS are: JDM .564 Bogaerts .633 Devers .626 A combined 5 HRs in a combined 282 ABs. From an offensive perspective, that's all the wrote. We have no chance of overcoming that.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 27, 2022 2:09:38 GMT -5
Bogaerts homers as Red Sox cool off Rays with 9-8 win AP
BOSTON (AP) Xander Bogaerts hit a three-run homer, and the Boston Red Sox stopped Tampa Bay's six-game win streak with a 9-8 victory over the Rays on Friday night.
Kevin Plawecki had three hits and two RBIs for the Red Sox, who had dropped four in a row. Michael Wacha (9-1) struck out six in six innings, settling down after a shaky start.
''Definitely didn't the start the way I had planned but was able to make some minor adjustments with the mechanics,'' said Wacha, who improved to 3-0 since returning from the injured list. ''With those changes, it helped make the off-speed pitches sharper and the fastball command got a lot better after that.''
Tampa Bay (69-56) began the day on top of the AL wild-card standings. Yandy Diaz, Jose Siri and Ji-Man Choi homered, but the Rays blew an early 4-1 lead.
Boston (61-65) went ahead to stay with two in the fourth and fifth, and three more runs in the sixth.
Francy Cordero connected for his seventh homer in the fourth, and Jarren Duran added a sacrifice fly against Ryan Yarbrough (1-8). Kike Hernandez singled home Bogaerts in the fifth, and Plawecki doubled in Bobby Dalbec.
Bogaerts - who came in batting .219 in August - then had the big blow in the sixth, making it 8-4 with a drive to left for his 11th homer.
''Felt really good off the bat. Kind of knew it. That was a good one,'' said Bogaerts, who spiked his bat after watching the ball disappear into the night.
''It's been a struggle,'' Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. ''In that at-bat, he let it loose.''
Tampa Bay rallied in the eighth, scoring four times before Boston recorded an out. After Siri's three-run shot made it 9-8, Cora replaced Ryan Brasier with Matt Barnes.
Appearing in his third game in as many days, Barnes retired three straight batters with two strikeouts. Garrett Whitlock then pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his sixth save.
The Rays got off to a fast start when Diaz jumped on the game's first pitch for his eighth homer. Choi connected for a two-run shot in the second, and Harold Ramirez's sacrifice fly made it 4-1 in the third.
Boston grabbed a 9-4 lead on Alex Verdugo's RBI triple in the seventh.
LOCKED UP
Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow signed a $30.35 million, two-year contract that will delay the start of his free agency by one year, the team announced. The Rays' opening-day starter last year hasn't pitched this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on Aug. 4, 2021. He went 5-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 14 starts last year.
Glasnow is making $5.1 million this year. He will get $5.35 million next season and $25 million in 2024, which is the first year he would have been eligible for free agency.
''Just to think about a healthy Glasnow that adds to what we consider a really good starting rotation as is, how can you not be excited about it?'' Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. ''Knowing that we have him secure for two years, we are and should be thrilled about it.''
Glasnow's quest to return to the Rays this season will include another live batting practice against hitters Sunday.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rays: SS Wander Franco (hamate fracture) continues to work out at Tropicana Field. ''Rehabbing and strengthening,'' Cash said. ''We'll see where he's at on Monday.'' Franco has been on the IL since July 10. ... 2B Brandon Lowe left with a left elbow contusion. He was hit by a pitch in the third inning.
Red Sox: 2B Trevor Story (right hand contusion) was scheduled to make a second straight rehab appearance for Double-A Portland but Friday's game was postponed due to rain. Cora said after the game that it's possible that Story could be activated for Saturday's game. ... RHP Nate Eovaldi (right shoulder inflammation) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session. Cora mentioned that another bullpen session is possible before mapping out the next course of action. ''My preference is for him to go out on a rehab assignment to make sure everything goes well,'' Cora said. ''He always pushes for the opposite, but we have to be smart with this.''
UP NEXT
Tampa Bay's Jeffrey Springs (6-3, 2.46 ERA) faces Red Sox left-hander Rich Hill (5-5, 4.68 ERA) on Saturday. Springs is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in four August starts. Hill is looking for his second straight win after beating Pittsburgh on Aug. 17.
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