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Post by scrappyunderdog on Sept 7, 2022 20:38:46 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 50m On WEEI this afternoon, Cora said the Sox are still working on pitcher-catcher relationships, but Wong is catching tonight, Friday and Sunday. "Little by little he's going to keep getting more at-bats." Good. I have no idea if he will be any good, but the future is him, McGuire, and maybe Hernandez. I'd like to see a month's worth of ABs from these guys. Casas, Crawford, Bello, Wink should play regularly, and I'd give a lot more innings to Ort and Seabold.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:22:05 GMT -5
Rays edge Red Sox 1-0 for 8th win in 9 games AP
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Yonny Chrinos had a tearful return to the major leagues Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old right-hander pitched three spotless innings in relief to win his first outing in more than two years, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Taylor Walls drove in the only run with an infield single in the fifth, and the Rays won for the eighth time in nine games. They lead the American League wild-card race and are five games behind the first-place Yankees in the AL East after New York swept a doubleheader against Minnesota.
Chirinos (1-0) gave up four hits and a walk while striking out four. He had Tommy John surgery following his previous appearance for the Rays on Aug. 16, 2020, then endured a serious setback during his recovery when he fractured a bone in his elbow.
''There was a lot of tears of sadness, especially after that second surgery. Now there are tears of happiness,'' Chrinos said through a translator. ''To be able to walk in and compete and help the team win, that's all I want to do.''
The emotional high point came after his first inning, which Chirinos ended with consecutive strikeouts of Christian Arroyo and Rob Refsnyder with two runners on base. The reliever hopped off the mound in celebration.
''It's genuine, authentic emotion for himself, and he's earned it. Two years is a long time,'' said Rays manager Kevin Cash, who thought Chirinos exceeded expectations after a big league absence of 751 days.
''He had to make some big pitches because there were a couple of first-and-second situations,'' Cash said. ''He got into some pretty high leverage. You're talking about a 0-0 and 1-0 ballgame. So there wasn't too much room for error.''
Pete Fairbanks pitched the ninth for his sixth save in six attempts.
Boston starter Nick Pivetta (9-11) went to full counts on 10 of the first 13 hitters he faced and threw 105 pitches in just five innings. But he did not give up a hit until Francisco Mejia led off the fifth with a double. After Mejia advanced on a long fly ball, Walls hit a bouncer into a shifted infield and beat it out, driving in the run.
''Our plan was to get (Pivetta) out of the game early,'' Mejia said. ''Obviously we weren't able to do that, but we got the one run that won the game.''
Walls, the Rays' light-hitting shortstop, had two of Tampa Bay's four hits. He also stole a base and made the game's best defensive play, robbing J.D. Martinez of a hit in the sixth.
Rays starter Jeffrey Springs gave up one hit in three innings.
The Red Sox stranded 10 runners and lost for the 12th time in 16 games against the Rays.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Red Sox: OF Franchy Cordero (severely sprained right ankle) was placed on the 60-day injured list and OF Abraham Almonte was called up from Triple-A Worcester. ... SS Xander Bogaerts, who left Tuesday night's game with back spasms, was out of the lineup as a precaution. ... RHP Nathan Eovaldi, sidelined since Aug. 12 due to right shoulder inflammation, threw a bullpen.
Rays: Brandon Lowe was reinstated to the active roster. He spent 10 days on the injured list after being hit by a pitch on the left elbow. ... RHP Tyler Glasnow (Tommy John surgery) struck out two in one inning of a rehab start for Triple-A Durham, throwing 19 pitches.
ANOTHER DAY OFF
Bogaerts told manager Alex Cora early Wednesday that he wanted to play. But with the Red Sox nine games out of wild-card position with 25 left to play, the manager figured another day off made more sense.
''I appreciated that, but we've got to be smart and protect players,'' Cora said. ''He'll have today and tomorrow off and get back Friday. We know where we're at and we've just got to be smart. Like with Trevor (Story), Friday's an off day regardless.''
GAMES THAT COUNT
Starting with a weekend series at Yankee Stadium and a five-game series in Toronto, the Rays will play 21 of their remaining 27 games against teams in playoff contention.
''We're facing everybody that is either going to go to the postseason or is vying for a wild-card spot,'' Lowe noted. ''We're not playing any games that don't matter. ... Every game right now means something and that's going to help us prepare for the postseason.''
UP NEXT
Red Sox: RHP Brayan Bello (1-4, 5.91 ERA) will make his seventh start Friday night at Baltimore. Bello earned his first win Saturday, throwing six shutout innings against Texas.
Rays: RHP Drew Rasmussen (9-4, 2.70 ERA), who missed his scheduled start Tuesday for the birth of his son, will start Friday night's opener of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:46:00 GMT -5
Red Sox swept by Rays, lose final 9 games at Tropicana Field this season; Boston now 4-12 against Tampa Bay this season after 1-0 loss
Updated: Sep. 07, 2022, 10:01 p.m.|Published: Sep. 07, 2022, 9:32 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Nick Pivetta’s four no-hit innings Wednesday night were fool’s gold. To say the Red Sox starter labored through those frames would be an understatement.
Pivetta, who seemingly pitched to full counts all night, needed 77 pitches to record 12 outs without allowing a hit against the Rays. The dam finally broke in the fifth when Francisco Mejia doubled, then Taylor Walls hit an infield single to make it 1-0. The Rays won by that same score, sweeping the Red Sox in a three-game series at Tropicana Field.
Even without Xander Bogaerts or Rafael Devers, Boston’s offense certainly had its chances. The Red Sox had runners in scoring position in the first, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth but failed to push anyone across. All told, the club left nine men on base and was 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Boston had a golden chance to tie things up in the eighth, when Tommy Pham singled and Alex Verdugo walked to lead things off against Jason Adam. Adam then battled back, getting Trevor Story to ground into a fielder’s choice, J.D. Martinez to fly out and Christian Arroyo to ground out to end the inning.
Pivetta, who left his last start Saturday with a left calf contusion, turned in a solid start, holding Tampa Bay to two hits and a single run in five frames. He issued three walks and recorded three strikeouts. His ERA fell to 4.29.
Pham and Kiké Hernández were the only Red Sox hitters with multiple hits, as both doubled and singled. The top two hitters in the lineup made up for four of Boston’s six hits.
The Red Sox fell to 4-12 against the Rays this season. They went 1-9 at Tropicana Field, losing their final nine games under the big top in St. Petersburg. Boston is now 67-71. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Shutout streak ends
The Red Sox were shut out for the first time since May 30, when the Orioles beat them, 10-0, at Fenway Park. They went 87 straight games without getting shut out. It was the longest active streak in MLB and the Sox’ longest since a 92-game stretch in 1999.
Camden Yards awaits
The Red Sox will be off Thursday before beginning their third and final series of the year in Baltimore on Friday night. Here are the pitching probables against the Orioles, who are fighting for a wild card spot:
Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET -- RHP Brayan Bello (1-4, 5.91 ERA) vs. RHP Austin Voth (4-2, 4.41 ERA)
Saturday, 5:05 p.m. ET -- RHP Michael Wacha (10-1, 2.58 ERA) vs. RHP Spenser Watkins (4-6, 4.37 ERA)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET -- LHP Rich Hill (6-6, 4.79 ERA) vs. RHP Kyle Bradish (3-5, 5.30 ERA)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:47:34 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · Follow In his last 207 at-bats dating back to June 27, J.D. Martinez has a line of .203/.268/.309 with three homers and 19 RBIs. 11:30 PM · Sep 7, 2022
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:48:27 GMT -5
Finale loss caps frustrating season at The Trop Sox drop ninth straight in St. Petersburg, fall to 18-39 vs. AL East 12:39 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Red Sox rode into Tropicana Field on Labor Day riding a five-game winning streak.
Were their postseason hopes realistic at that point? Probably not.
Could they at least have made things interesting by turning that five-game winning streak into a 10- or 11-game run? They thought so.
But something all too familiar happened instead. The Red Sox got stopped in their tracks against an American League East club, enduring a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rays, capped by Wednesday night's thoroughly frustrating 1-0 defeat at Tropicana Field.
Now, it’s on to Baltimore, where the Sox will rest up during an off-day on Thursday and then open up a three-game series against the surprising Orioles on Friday night.
The reality has set in for a 67-71 club that arrived in Florida 7 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race and leaves staring at a 10-game deficit.
“Let’s keep grinding, keep going, that’s all we can do,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
At Tropicana Field all season, the Sox have arrived with high hopes, only to see them grind to a halt.
Boston played the Rays for the first time this season on April 22, and came away with a 4-3 road win which was capped off by a spectacular play from Trevor Story.
It would be the only win for the Red Sox all season at Tropicana Field, as Wednesday’s nailbiter was their ninth straight defeat in St. Petersburg.
The Sox will hope for a better result when they get back under that roof on April 10, 2023.
The series finale was there for the taking. But Boston went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base.
“We didn’t put the ball in play, we didn’t hit the ball hard with men in scoring position, and they do what they do. They’re really good at what they do. We’ve seen it before,” said Cora.
Cora couldn’t help but point out that when the Rays had their best opportunity of the night in the bottom of the fifth, with a runner at third and one out, Taylor Walls slapped an infield hit to bring home their only run of the game.
“Man at third, less than two outs, 3-2 count, put the ball in play, [score] one run,” Cora said. “And that’s what they did. That was enough for them. Their pitching staff did an amazing job against us and we weren’t able to score runs.”
It sure seemed like the Red Sox had a great chance to score in the top of the eighth, when Tommy Pham singled and Alex Verdugo walked to open the frame. Story’s fielder’s-choice grounder pushed Pham to third. Things looked even more promising when Story stole second, putting two runners in scoring position with one out for J.D. Martinez.
Martinez has made a living driving in runs in situations just like that. But the 35-year-old slugger, who studies the craft of hitting meticulously, has fallen into a brutal slump that has gone on for more than two months.
Instead of a game-tying sacrifice fly, a two-run single or a three-run homer, Martinez lofted a 216-foot flyout to right that wasn’t nearly deep enough to bring Pham home.
“Yeah, doing my best,” said Martinez. “That’s all you can do. I just didn’t get it in. It happens.”
In truth, the at-bat was lost on a 1-1 pitch from Jason Adam that Martinez swung through.
“He missed his pitch in that at-bat,” Cora said. “I don’t know if he expanded at the end, but it’s about getting your pitch and hitting it. I think he got some pitches to hit throughout the night and he wasn’t able to hit it hard. The one he hit hard, Walls made a great play.”
The loss gave the Red Sox an 18-39 record against their AL East brethren, which is as big a reason as any the club appears destined for a last-place finish.
Of the nine losses the Sox have endured at Tropicana Field, five came by just a single run.
“Offensively, we haven’t done enough against them, or I feel like the whole division,” said Cora. “There have been games that are out of hand, but we haven’t been able to finish games. Obviously the record is the record.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:50:03 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Bogaerts (back spasms) hopeful for Friday September 7th, 2022
Keep track of the Red Sox’s recent transactions and injury updates throughout the season. LATEST NEWS
Sept. 7: SS Xander Bogaerts could return Friday Fresh off winning AL Player of the Week honors, Bogaerts had to exit Tuesday's 8-4 loss in the bottom of the seventh inning with back spasms, but the prognosis is hopeful. Manager Alex Cora rested him on Wednesday, and the Red Sox have a team off-day on Thursday. The hope is that Bogaerts will be back in the lineup for Friday night's opener of a three-game series in Baltimore.
Sept. 7: OF Franchy Cordero placed on 60-day IL; OF Abraham Almonte selected to roster from Triple-A Worcester Cordero rammed his right leg into the left-field wall in the bottom of the fifth inning of Monday's game against the Rays while unsuccessfully pursuing a double by Randy Arozarena, suffering a severe right ankle sprain that will end his season. Cordero batted .219 (53-for-242) with 17 doubles, eight home runs and 29 RBIs in a career-high 84 games for the Red Sox this season, appearing in 53 games at first base, 26 in right field, 12 in left field and two in center field.
Almonte, a 33-year-old journeyman who is in the Majors for the first time this season, takes Almonte's spot on the roster. The switch-hitter played 64 games for the World Series champion Braves last season. Cora praised Almonte for his walk rate from the left side at Triple-A Worcester this season. Almonte was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on July 25, in exchange for cash considerations. Almonte has batted .293 (86-for-294) with a .951 OPS, 18 home runs and 66 RBIs in 80 Triple-A games this season between Worcester (32 games) and Nashville (48 games).
RHP Nathan Eovaldi (right shoulder inflammation) Expected return: September Eovaldi took an important step forward when he threw another bullpen session on Sept. 7 at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox think Eovaldi will pitch again this season, but manager Alex Cora said he will need to go on a Minor League rehab assignment first.
"Yeah, now we wait and see how he feels," Cora said. "He played catch [on Sept. 6]. He’s feeling good. He feels like extension is getting there, so just be patient with him and see what we can do." (Last updated: Sept. 7)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 3:54:06 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 7h Remember when the Red Sox beat the Rays on April 22 at Tropicana Field, with Trevor Story making a game-saving play to end it? They didn't win another one here all year. Sox lost their 9th in a row here tonight. They'll be back on April 11, 2023.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 4:01:24 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Former journeyman Christian Arroyo refuses to get comfortable with his roster spot By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated September 7, 2022, 7:57 p.m.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Christian Arroyo knows what it’s like to be on the outside looking in.
When the Red Sox acquired the infielder off waivers from the Guardians during the 2020 season, Arroyo just wanted to stick around the big leagues. The Red Sox were Arroyo’s fourth team in four years. For the former first-round pick, stability was a stranger.
Fast forward two years and Arroyo, 27, has achieved his goal of sticking in the big leagues. He’s become a productive player in the process, batting .283/.325/.416 with five homers in 72 games while showing the defensive tools to bounce around the infield.
“I have been happy with what I have been able to do this year,” said Arroyo before going 1 for 4 with a double in the Sox’ 1-0 loss to the Rays Wednesday night. “The beginning of the season was up and down. But I kind of figured some stuff out. I want to finish strong, keep going.”
Arroyo has never had a feeling like this, he noted. One where he can go into the offseason with peace of mind, knowing he contributed. He also knows his path to becoming a big league mainstay isn’t uncommon.
“I just always wanted to be in a situation where I felt comfortable,” Arroyo said. “But I knew that it wasn’t going to be as linear as most people always think it is. Not many guys come up and are Juan Soto, or Xander Bogaerts, or Trevor Story. Guys that come up and they play every day and they figure it out. Given the road I’ve been on, I don’t take anything for granted.”
The thought of not making the team out of spring training, or being designated for assignment still lingers. That’s just who Arroyo is, and it keeps him motivated.
“Given the road I’ve been on I don’t take anything for granted. That’s just my way of always making sure I’m being honest with myself,” Arroyo said.
He’s learned how to become a big leaguer. Understands what a routine should look like. When to get to the ball field and when to leave.
When Story went to the injured list back in July, manager Alex Cora said it was time for Arroyo to show what he could do. Arroyo responded. He was the Sox’ hottest hitter, batting .367/.400/.511 in 95 plate appearances. Now he’s gone back to more of a utility role, meaning limited time. Story is back and the team called up first baseman Triston Casas, who Cora said will play most days.
“I got to see Casas play during the spring,” Arroyo said. “I get it. I understand the situation. At one point, you kind of run the young guy out there and see what he’s got. For me, I just always stay prepared.” Cordero out for season, Almonte promoted
The Red Sox placed Franchy Cordero on the 60-day IL with a right ankle sprain, officially ending his season. In a corresponding move, the team selected outfielder Abraham Almonte from Triple A Worcester. The Sox acquired Almonte, 33, from the Brewers in July in exchange for cash considerations. Almonte hit .293 (86 for 294) with a .951 OPS, 18 home runs, and 66 RBIs in 80 Triple A games this year between Worcester (32 games) and Nashville (48).
“He’s controlling the at-bats from the left side,” Cora said. “It’s another quality at-bat. He can work deep counts, 3-2 counts. He’s got some pop, too. He’s been great down there.”
Wait and see with Eovaldi
Nate Eovaldi threw a bullpen session Wednesday. The Sox will see how his body responds before determining next steps . . . Both Rafael Devers and Bogaerts (back spasms) got the night off. Bogaerts was removed from Tuesday’s game. “We’ve got to be smart,” Cora said. “It’s not the time to get hurt and we have to protect players we know where we’re at.” The hope is that Bogaerts will be ready for the series opener against the Orioles on Friday after an off day Thursday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 8, 2022 4:03:09 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h #Rays 1, #RedSox 0, final.
* Sox 0x10 with RISP. 10 LOB.
* Sox swept in the three-game series. They are 4-12 vs. TB with losses in 10 of the last 12 games.
* Sox were 1-9 at the Trop this season. Outscored 43-23.
* At Baltimore for three starting on Friday.
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