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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 4:18:32 GMT -5
Halos @ Red Sox Friday, April 14th, 2023 7pm @ Fenway
Broadcast on Apple TV tonight
Sandoval 1-0/ 1.64
Houck 2-0/4.50
Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox Friday, April 14, 2023 at 7:10pm EDT Written by Michael Briggs
The Los Angeles Angels will play the Boston Red Sox on Friday at Fenway Park. First pitch from Boston, MA, is at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Red Sox are moneyline favorites and the game total is set at 9.5 runs scored.
Los Angeles (7-5 SU and 5-7 RL) took two of three from Washington in its previous series. The Angels will start lefty Patrick Sandoval (1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two starts) in the series opener.
Boston (5-7 SU and 5-7 RL). The Red Sox will turn to right-hander Tanner Houck (2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts) on Friday night.
Are the Angels primed for a longer winning streak? The Angels got back on track against the Nationals, winning the final two games of the series. LA was on a bit of a slide, having dropped four of their previous six overall. Now firmly back over .500, the Angels head to the East Coast for consecutive series in Boston and New York.
Los Angeles averages 5.42 runs per contest (8th) with a .240 batting average (20th) and a .741 OPS (13th). The Angels have hit 17 home runs (6th) and stolen five bases (21st) this season. The Anaheim pitching staff boasts a 3.70 ERA (5th) and a 1.21 WHIP (7th) with five quality starts.
The 26-year-old southpaw Sandoval will start against Boston Friday. He didn't get the win in his last start but was in line for a victory until the Angels' bullpen crumbled. This season, he has allowed two earned runs on eight hits and three walks in 11.0 innings. Sandoval has not faced Boston since the 2019 season.
Boston wants to put its last series in the rearview ASAP This week, Boston learned what Detroit, Washington, and Oakland already knew — Tampa Bay is for real. If only they could have saved the Red Sox the trouble! Boston gave Tampa its best shots but was ultimately still swept by the still-undefeated Rays. Is it time to panic in Beantown?
The Red Sox score 5.46 runs per game (7th) and hit .235 (22nd) with a .731 OPS (16th). They've hit 17 long balls (8th) and stolen five bases (22nd) this year. The pitching staff has compiled a 5.42 ERA (26th) and a 1.44 WHIP (22nd) with zero quality starts.
Boston will start the 26-year-old Houck on Friday at Fenway. The 6-foot-5 right-hander won both of his previous starts against Detroit and Baltimore. He has allowed eight hits and three walks, surrendering five runs in ten innings pitched this year. Houck made two relief appearances against Los Angeles last season, and they couldn't have been more different. He surrendered seven runs on five hits in 2.1 innings in his first appearance, earning the loss, but was much better a little over a month later, giving up only one hit in 2.0 innings, picking up the win.
Angels at Red Sox Friday, at 7:10 PM EST Partly Cloudy It's expected to be 55° F with a 0% chance of precipitation and 9 MPH wind blowing right to left in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 4:20:18 GMT -5
Probables
Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET -- RHP Tanner Houck (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.64 ERA)
Saturday, 4:10 p.m. ET -- RHP Nick Pivetta (0-1, 0.90 ERA) vs. LHP Tyler Anderson (1-0, 4.22 ERA)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. ET -- RHP Garrett Whitlock (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. LHP Reid Detmers (0-0, 5.59 ERA)
Monday, 11:10 a.m. ET -- TBD vs. RHP Shohei Ohtani (2-0, 0.47 ERA)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 8:45:22 GMT -5
Red Sox, glad to be away from the Rays, open set vs. Angels FLM
The Boston Red Sox had a series to forget against Tampa Bay.
After getting swept in four games by the undefeated Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., the Red Sox are happy to return home Friday night to open their second homestand of the season, this time against the Los Angeles Angels.
"Less than ideal," Boston right-hander Corey Kluber said of the series in Florida, which concluded with a 9-3 loss on Thursday. "Got another series starting (Friday) and have an opportunity to turn it around."
The upcoming four-game set against the Angels runs through Monday, when the teams will meet at 11:10 a.m. ET in the traditional Patriots' Day game at Fenway Park.
Boston's early-season slate has been full of highs and lows, but two of the highs have come with their Friday starter on the mound. Tanner Houck (2-0, 4.50 ERA) beat the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers in his previous outings. He is 1-1 with a 14.54 ERA against the Angels in two career starts, both in relief last year.
Since scoring nine runs in each of the three games in a season-opening set against Baltimore, the Red Sox have been involved in three consecutive sweeps. Two of those have gone in the wrong direction.
On Thursday, Boston's Rob Refsnyder hit a first-inning home run and Justin Turner went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run, but the Red Sox were held to four hits.
"(Tampa Bay) is a place that obviously we want to come in here and win, right? They play in our division and we haven't done that," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "Just got to be ready for (Friday). That's the most important thing. ... When we come back (in September), we've got to win games."
The Red Sox will look to bounce back against a team they beat in four of seven meetings last season.
After hosting the Washington Nationals this week and finishing the series with 2-0 and 3-2 wins, the Angels will aim for a third consecutive triumph as Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.64 ERA) takes the mound in Boston. He has opposed the Red Sox only once in his career, when he gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings on Aug. 11, 2019.
Sandoval will be the first of three consecutive left-handers to start for Los Angeles to begin the series.
Sandoval has allowed just one earned run in each of his first two starts, the latest of which was a six-inning no-decision against the Toronto Blue Jays last Friday.
"I battled a lot," Sandoval said of that outing. "They put some good swings on some balls. We made some good plays. Glad I was able to get through six."
With a stalwart outfield of Taylor Ward, Mike Trout and Hunter Renfroe, Brett Phillips did not get his first chance to play until Wednesday afternoon.
He delivered.
In the Angels' 3-2 win, Phillips drove home the tying run with a walk, scored another and stole a pair of bases to spark the offense from the No. 9 hole.
"When it's my turn to play, things can't skip a beat," Phillips said. "We got the best lineup in the game. So for myself, it's just a matter of putting together good ABs, taking some walks, not trying to do too much."
Shohei Ohtani, who got Wednesday off from his lineup duty following a 92-pitch outing the previous day, will start Monday's series finale.
"I thought this would be a good time for him to get two days off his feet and he completely agreed," Angels manager Phil Nevin said.
The Angels were off Thursday as they made the cross-country journey for a seven-game trip that will conclude with three games against the New York Yankees.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 11:50:47 GMT -5
Game 14: Angels at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated April 14, 2023, 2 hours ago After getting swept by the Rays, the Red Sox return to Fenway Park for a seven-game homestand, beginning Friday night with the first of four games against the Angels. It’s been an uneven season for the Sox, to say the least. After taking two of three from Baltimore to open the season, they were swept at home by Pittsburgh, then pulled off a sweep of their own at Detroit, before dropping four in a row at Tropicana Field to fall eight games back in last place in the American League East. Tanner Houck, who has posted victories over the Orioles and Tigers, will be on the mound for the opener as the Sox look to right the ship. He should have Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida playing behind him. Devers had the day off Thursday, while Yoshida missed the last two games against Tampa Bay with a tight hamstring, but both are expected back. The Angels have won two in a row and had Thursday off. Here is a preview. Lineups ANGELS (7-5):
1. Taylor Ward (R) LF 2. Mike Trout (R) CF 3. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH 4. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B 5. Hunter Renfroe (R) RF 6. Jake Lamb (L) 1B 7. Brandon Drury (R) 2B 8. Luis Rengifo (S) SS 9. Logan O'Hoppe (R) C Pitching: LHP Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.64 ERA) RED SOX (5-8): 1. Alex Verdugo (L) RF 2. Justin Turner (R) DH 3. Rob Refsnyder (R) LF 4. Rafael Devers (L) 3B 5. Enrique Hernandez (R) CF 6. Christian Arroyo (R) 2B 7. Triston Casas (L) 1B 8. Connor Wong (R) C 9. Yu Chang (R) SS Pitching: RHP Tanner Houck (2-0, 4.50 ERA) Time: 7:10 p.m. TV, radio: Apple TV+, WEEI-FM 93.7 Angels vs. Houck: David Fletcher 1-2, Jake Lamb 1-2, Brett Phillips 0-2, Anthony Rendon 0-1, Luis Rengifo 0-1, Gio Urshela 0-3, Taylor Ward 1-2 Red Sox vs. Sandoval: Yu Chang 0-4, Rafael Devers 2-3, Kiké Hernández 0-4, Rob Refsnyder 0-2, Raimel Tapia 1-2, Justin Turner 5-10 Stat of the day: The Red Sox are third in the American League and fourth in MLB in runs (71), trailing the Rays (101), Dodgers (79), and Orioles (74). Notes: Houck is 1-1 with a 14.54 ERA two career appearances against the Angels. … The Sox will face lefthanded starters the next three nights: Sandoval, Tyler Anderson on Saturday, and Reid Detmers on Sunday). Shohei Ohtani will get the nod for the Patriots Day game. … Sandoval has faced the Red Sox only once in his career, when he gave up four runs in 4⅔ innings on Aug. 11, 2019. Song of the Day: Erasure - A Little Respect www.youtube.com/watch?v=x34icYC8zA0
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 15:03:39 GMT -5
few things guess every team has been linked to a Apple broadcast so least the Red Sox are getting this over for folks who don't have it I enjoy the Apple TV. anything is better than listening to the NESN crew got a feeling the Red Sox are getting get thrashed again anyway
Red Sox vs. Angels: How to watch Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+
Published: Apr. 14, 2023, 3:39 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — The Red Sox return home from a seven-game road trip Friday to host the Angels.
The game will not air on NESN or MLB.TV. It will air exclusively on Apple TV+ as part of Friday Night Baseball. Unlike last season, a subscription is required to watch games on Apple TV+ this season.
The Red Sox went 3-4 on their road trip. They swept a three-game series against the Tigers at Comerica Park. But they then lost all four games against the Rays at Tropicana Field to return home with a 5-8 record.
Boston righty Tanner Houck (2-0, 4.50 ERA) will start opposite Angels lefty Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.64 ERA).
Masataka Yoshida is out for the third straight game because of right hamstring tightness. Yu Chang (0-for-13) so far this season will play shortstop.
Rob Refsnyder will play left field. Kiké Hernández will play center field. Here’s the full Red Sox lineup.
Superstar Shohei Ohtani is batting third for the Angels. Former Red Sox Hunter Renfroe is batting fifth and play right field.
How to watch the Angels vs. Red Sox game: Here’s the direct link you need to watch the game.
The only way to watch Friday’s game will be via the Apple TV+ app, which you can watch on phones, streaming devices, smart TVs and computers. An Apple TV+ subscription is required to view live games. If you do not currently have an Apple TV+ subscription, you can get 2 free months of Apple TV+ if you sign up before July 7.
Apple TV+ joined the sports streaming world last season with a major broadcasting deal with Major League Baseball that includes a weekly Friday Night Baseball broadcast exclusively on the app’s platform. The deal was promoted as a step forward for MLB to try and reach a younger audience.
Fans can find more info on how to watch MLB games on Apple TV+ here.
What time does the game start? Where can I watch it on TV? - Friday’s game will start at 7:10 p.m. EST nationally for viewers in the U.S. However, the game will not be broadcast on conventional TV channels. Apple TV+ has exclusive broadcast rights. It can be accessed via the Apple TV+ app on smart TVs and streaming devices.
Live stream options: Apple TV+ - Friday night’s game will air exclusively via Apple TV+. An Apple TV+ subscription is required to view live games. If you do not currently have an Apple TV+ subscription, you can get 2 free months of Apple TV+ if you sign up before July 7.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 15:05:41 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 1h Zack Kelly had an MRI today. He is still awaiting results.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 17:29:58 GMT -5
Red Sox’s Alex Cora gives positive Trevor Story update; Masataka Yoshida to play Saturday
Updated: Apr. 14, 2023, 5:00 p.m.|Published: Apr. 14, 2023, 4:54 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora gave a positive update Friday on injured shortstop Trevor Story.
“He’s playing catch,” Cora said at Fenway Park. “He started playing catch.”
Story underwent elbow surgery in January. The Red Sox have been reluctant to give a strict timetable for his return but the hope is he will return at some point in the second half.
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Story signed a six-year, $140-million contract with Boston before the 2022 season. He played second base last year but he was expected to move to shortstop this season after Xander Bogaerts left for the Padres via free agency.
The right-handed hitter posted only a .737 OPS in his first season with Boston. He hit 16 homers and 22 doubles in 94 games.
The elbow surgery was an “internal bracing procedure of the right ulnar collateral ligament.”
Yoshida expected to be in lineup Saturday
Left fielder Masataka Yoshida is out for the third straight game because of right hamstring tightness.
“He’s doing good,” Cora said. “He’s going to go through the whole thing today. He’ll start tomorrow. I think that’s what we’re shooting for.”
The rookie fielded and hit here Friday and Cora added he is available off the bench if needed.
“I think one more day will help him,” Cora said.
Adam Duvall wearing cast
Adam Duvall is here at Fenway Park and wearing a cast on his broken left wrist.
He suffered the distal radius fracture on a diving catch attempt in the ninth inning of Sunday’s win in Detroit.
Cora said there’s no timetable yet for his return.
Kelly has MRI
Zack Kelly underwent an MRI on his injured elbow.
“We don’t have the results yet,” Cora said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 17:31:37 GMT -5
Red Sox wearing yellow jerseys Friday; what’s uniform schedule for Marathon weekend?
Published: Apr. 14, 2023, 5:32 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — The Red Sox will wear their yellow and blue Nike City Connect Series uniforms Friday against the Angels here at Fenway Park. First pitch from Fenway Park is at 7:10 p.m.
The jerseys capture the color scheme of the Boston Marathon, which will take place Monday. This year’s marathon marks 10 years since the Boston Marathon bombing.
As of now, the Red Sox are scheduled to wear the City Connect jerseys both Friday and Sunday. The team will wear their white jerseys with “Boston” on the front Monday on Patriots’ Day.
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The Red Sox first wore the white Boston jerseys at the Marathon tribute at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013.
The 2013 World Series team also will be honored Sunday.
“It will be cool,” manager Alex Cora said about the return of the 2013 team. “Obviously, having moments like that, it means a lot. That team was very special for everything that happened here of course. And the way they handled everything and winning the whole thing. From afar, it was impressive. It’s a good group of guys. A bunch of characters. For everything I hear, they’re very connected. They stay in touch. They help each other in their charity events. So that’s what it’s all about.”
The 2013 team actually will take batting practice before Sunday’s game.
“It will be fun to have them here,” Cora said. “I think on Sunday, we’re going to let them take batting practice because their kids are older. So to have the opportunity to take batting practice at Fenway is going to be fun for them. There’s going to be a lot of team dinners. A lot of red meat and wine. They’re going to enjoy it. It’s going to be fun.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 17:33:37 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 2h Bello starts Monday. Sale on Tuesday.
Yoshida is available today. Should be ready to start tomorrow.
Nothing on Zack Kelly yet. Story has started playing catch.
Masataka Yoshida on playing against Shohei Ohtani for the first time in the majors:
“I am honored to play with him at the best baseball stadium in the world.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 14, 2023 17:36:35 GMT -5
Jen McCaffrey @jcmccaffrey · 2h Some pre game notes -Bello will start Monday and Sale Tuesday -Story has started playing catch -Yoshida is available off the bench, but will be in the lineup tomorrow -No results yet on Zack Kelly -Paxton is starting in Worcester today but will need at least one more start
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2023 2:51:56 GMT -5
Rafael Devers homers, Red Sox end four-game losing streak with win over Angels
Updated: Apr. 14, 2023, 10:08 p.m.|Published: Apr. 14, 2023, 10:08 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Rafael Devers put the Red Sox ahead 3-2 with a 349-foot solo homer to right field in the fifth inning.
Josh Winckowski, who relieved starter Tanner Houck, allowed one run in 3 strong innings out of the bullpen. The Red Sox won 5-3 at Fenway Park on Friday.
Devers already has six homers in 13 games.
Winckowski earned the victory. The 24-year-old righty has allowed just two runs in 12 innings (1.50 ERA) over six relief outings.
Kenley Jansen recorded his first save at Fenway Park as a member of the Red Sox. He struck out Mike Trout swinging and Shohei Ohtani looking to begin the ninth. Anthony Rendon then singled. But Jansen then struck out Hunter Renfroe swinging to end it.
Help from the Angels
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon helped the Red Sox offense out quite a bit. His throwing error to first base with two outs in the fourth inning on Yu Chang’s grounder allowed the tying run to score from third inning.
Rendon then allowed another run to score when he made another throwing error to first base on Rob Refsnyder’s ground ball with a runner at third. That made it 4-2 Red Sox in the sixth inning.
Boston received more help from the Angels in the sixth when Chang scored on a passed ball to make it 5-2.
Red Sox starters still without quality start
The Red Sox remain the only team in MLB without a quality start (6 innings, 3 or fewer runs).
Tanner Houck failed to do it Friday, pitching 4 innings and allowing two runs, four hits and four walks while striking out six. Of his 90 pitches, 56 were strikes (62.2%).
Red Sox starters have a 6.57 ERA (63 innings, 46 earned runs).
Ex-Red Sox hits 2-run double
Hunter Renfroe, who the Red Sox traded after his 31-homer season with Boston in 2021, put the Angels ahead 2-0 in the first inning with a two-run double off the Green Monster.
Boston dealt Renfroe to Milwaukee for Jackie Bradley Jr. and prospects Alex Binelas and David Hamilton.
He went 5-for-13 (.385) with two homers in three games against Boston last year.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2023 2:53:50 GMT -5
Jansen's revamped cutter takes down Trout, Ohtani 1:25 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- Kenley Jansen wasn’t being vain when he spent most of his offseason workouts watching videos of himself on two separate televisions at his home gym.
What the veteran closer was trying to do was channel back to the best years of his career with the Dodgers, when he was one of the top closers in the game.
At the age of 35, Jansen didn’t sign with the Red Sox hoping to be what he was the last 2-3 years, which was still a pretty good closer. He wanted to get back to being elite.
And that’s how Jansen looked in an electric ninth inning at Fenway Park on Friday night, earning his first home save for the Red Sox in a 5-3 victory over the Angels.
To put his team back in the winner’s circle after a rough four-game sweep at Tropicana Field, all Jansen had to do was get through Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
“From when I walked out from the bullpen, the crowd fed into it,” Jansen said. “That definitely gets me going. It’s definitely fun out there. You’re facing definitely the best hitters in the game and I got out of it. So it’s definitely a good feeling, especially [because it was] my first save at Fenway, so that's a good one.”
Jansen hasn’t allowed a run in his first four appearances with his new team, three of them saves. This is what he was envisioning in the winter while he multitasked furiously during his workouts.
“A lot of stretching this offseason putting my hips in better positions,” said Jansen. “Opening up my [thoracic] spine through all that and also just watching a lot of videos from 2012, ’13, ’14 to see how my body was into it. Every time I was in the gym, my TV was on those videos. I have two TVs in my gym and while I’m working out, I’m watching my highlights and my outings and just trying to get back to what I was when I was at my best.”
Trout and Ohtani, now a combined 1-for-16 with 12 strikeouts against the veteran closer, were witnesses to the fruits of Jansen’s offseason labor.
Up first was Trout, who got overpowered by Jansen’s cutter, which seared in at 95.8 mph on the final pitch of the four-pitch at-bat that ended in a swinging strikeout.
Then came Ohtani. With the count 1-1, Jansen blew a 94.7 mph cutter by him. The sellout crowd anticipating the punchout, Jansen reached back and froze the DH on a 95.9 mph cutter. At that point, career save No. 394 seemed to be a certainty. Anthony Rendon provided a brief delay with a bloop single to center.
The potential tying run was Hunter Renfroe, but Jansen disposed of him on three straight pitches, going away from his cutter and firing a slider past him to end the game and set off a light show at Fenway.
“He works so hard and he understands how his pitches have to play and you get to see him when he throws his sessions,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “It’s intense because he understands everything that goes into it and today, that was fun to watch. I know he enjoyed it.”
The added life on Jansen’s cutter so far this season is backed up by data. In 2022, his cutter averaged 92.2 mph. So far this season, it’s at 95.1.
“His stuff is kind of invisible, to be honest with you,” said Cora. “The other day, I stood in the bullpen and I saw it and I was like, ‘Wow. It's just a different pitch.’ At this velocity, it’s impressive.”
With a 6-8 record so far, the Red Sox haven’t been able to utilize their new closer as much as they’d like. But Jansen’s addition to the team gives Cora and the players the most comfort in the ninth inning with a lead the team has had since Craig Kimbrel was closing games for Boston in 2018.
“He always looks good, but his ball was really cutting today,” said winning pitcher Josh Winckowski, who fired three strong innings in relief. “It looked like he was throwing really, really hard. It was a pleasure to watch him tonight. He looked extra nasty tonight.” Get the latest from the Red Sox
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Jansen said he is even surprised how much his velocity has gone up early in the season.
“I’m loving it and I’m going to keep riding it,” Jansen said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2023 2:55:26 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Bello to face Ohtani in return April 14th, 2023 ;
2 seconds remaining LATEST NEWS
April 14: RHP Brayan Bello set for Monday return against Angels The Red Sox will get a nice boost for Monday's annual Patriots Day game (11:10 a.m. ET start) as Bello is expected to be activated for his first start of the season. Boston's 23-year-old righty, who possesses electric stuff, will face off against Angels stud righty Shohei Ohtani in a compelling matchup. Of course, Bello will also be faced with the challenge of having to pitch to Ohtani, one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
Bello is starting the season a couple of weeks late due to some right forearm tightness he experienced early in Spring Training. In his final Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, Bello allowed one run over six innings, walking none and striking out four.
April 14: OF Masataka Yoshida available to pinch-hit, should start Saturday Left fielder Yoshida was out of the lineup for the third straight day on Friday night with right hamstring tightness. However, Yoshida took batting practice and fielding drills prior to the game and manager Alex Cora said he will be available to pinch-hit. Yoshida is expected to be back in the lineup on Saturday.
LHP James Paxton (right hamstring strain) Expected return: Late April or May Paxton made his latest Minor League rehab start for Worcester on April 14, allowing four hits and two runs over 3 1/3 innings while walking two and striking out six. He threw 70 pitches, 47 of them for strikes. Paxton still has multiple rehab starts left before the Red Sox will contemplate activating him. (Last updated: April 14)
RHP Zack Kelly (right elbow inflammation) Expected return: TBD Kelly underwent an MRI on April 14, and the Red Sox are awaiting the results. The righty said his elbow was still sore, two days after he was in anguish as he exited in mid appearance with searing pain after hitting Yandy Díaz with a pitch. Kelly underwent an internal bracing procedure on his right elbow in 2020, which is one reason he was so emotional when he suffered his latest injury against the Rays. (Last updated: April 14)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2023 2:56:24 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 4h Adam Duvall said the plan is to have x-rays once a week to check on how he's healing. He hopes to be able to swing in as soon as 6 weeks. In the meantime he can still run and throw. The tendon sheath issue he had last season is on the other side of his wrist. No damage there.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2023 2:59:53 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Shohei Ohtani continues to amaze ex-teammate and current Red Sox reliever Chris Martin By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated April 14, 2023, 8:34 p.m.
Amazement for Shohei Ohtani has grown enormously over the last couple of seasons. He was the American League MVP in 2021, finished both second in MVP voting and fourth in Cy Young voting in 2022, and delivered a captivating performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic to lead Japan to the title.
“With all due respect to all the athletes in the world, he has to be the best athlete,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said on Friday, prior to the start of a four-game series at Fenway Park against Ohtani and the Angels. “What he’s doing, what he did, is just amazing. I’m still in awe.”
Yet one member of the Red Sox was well aware of the gifts of the two-way star long before most in Major League Baseball. In 2016 and 2017, righthander Chris Martin pitched for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, the team for whom Ohtani starred in Japan.
Martin’s early impressions of Ohtani, who was 22 when they were teammates last?
“He was terrible. Not very good at baseball. Needed a lot of work,” Martin deadpanned. “Just kidding. Obviously he’s the best talent I’ve probably ever seen.”
Martin, the Hokkaido closer for the team’s title run in 2016, recalled with amazement a game where Ohtani homered in the first inning, then fired eight shutout innings.
“He didn’t need me to come in in the ninth, but pitch count must have been too high, so I got the save,” said Martin. “But he basically won the game by himself. You can’t say that about anybody else.”
There was no question about the rarity and impact of Ohtani. Martin noted Ohtani led Hokkaido to a title in 2016. Then, when injuries limited him to five starts as a pitcher and 65 games in the lineup, the Ham Fighters spiraled to a 60-83 record.
Still, Martin admitted that even with his vantage point, he never could have imagined Ohtani performing at the level at which he’s currently playing in MLB.
“I didn’t picture it like this,” said Martin. “This is a very hard league and he makes it look pretty easy at times. Guys that do that are just different.” Bello’s good to go Monday
Righthander Brayan Bello, whose progression this spring was slowed by a few weeks due to mild discomfort in his elbow, is expected to come off the injured list to pitch against Ohtani for the Marathon Monday game.
“No problem,” Bello, who allowed one run over six innings for Triple A Worcester in a rehab start on Tuesday, said of the early starting time. “I’m ready to go.”
Bello felt particularly encouraged by his feel for his slider and a new curveball.
“I’m looking to give the hitter another look,” Bello said via translator Carlos Villoria-Benitez. “All my pitches [sinker, four-seamer, slider, and changeup] are fast. My curveball is a slower pitch that I can use to change the timing of the batter.”
With Bello slotted into the rotation for Monday, lefthander Chris Sale will get an extra day of rest before his next start Tuesday against the Twins. Corey Kluber will likewise get an extra day of rest before he starts the second game of the Minnesota series. Healthy amount of updates
Lefthander James Paxton (hamstring) threw 3⅓ innings on Friday for Worcester, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six. He topped out at 97 miles per hour. Cora said Paxton will make at least one more rehab start … While outfielder Adam Duvall expressed relief that he won’t need surgery to repair the distal fracture on his left wrist, he acknowledged a long rehab road ahead. “[It’s] maybe six weeks before I can swing again,” said Duvall, whose wrist is in a cast. “I’m going to keep running and keep throwing to stay in shape.” … Much to the surprise of reliever Zack Kelly, an MRI on his injured right elbow showed his ulnar collateral ligament is intact. Still, Kelly was guarded about the result given the discomfort he continues to feel since leaving Wednesday’s game against the Rays. “Everything apparently looks all right, but I’m not feeling like how the MRI showed. They said the ligament looks intact, which is good, but they can’t explain why it still hurts so bad. I’m good with whatever [the issue is]. I just want to know.” He’ll get a second opinion next week … Trevor Story arrived at a notable milestone in his return from the insertion in January of an internal brace in his right elbow. Cora said the shortstop — who is on the 60-day injured list, and is almost certainly out until at least July — has started throwing for the first time since the procedure … Masataka Yoshida (hamstring), who was out of the lineup for the third straight game on Friday, is expected to return to the lineup this weekend. The left fielder is eagerly anticipating facing off against Ohtani, his WBC teammate, in the Marathon Monday game. “I am honored to play with him at the best baseball stadium in the world,” Yoshida said through translator Keiichiro Wakabayashi.
Casas’s walk on the wild side
One day after Triston Casas let out a mighty yawp following a 14-pitch walk against the Rays, the Red Sox remained both impressed with the focus demonstrated by the rookie in the at-bat and amused by a virtually unprecedented reaction to a walk. “He battled. It was a good at-bat,” said Cora. “The emotion, I’ve never seen anything like that. Someone said my reaction in the dugout was priceless.” … The Red Sox wore their yellow and blue City Connect uniforms for the first time in 2023 as part of the kickoff of four days commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon … There will be a pregame ceremony Saturday to observe One Boston Day and to observe the 76th anniversary of April 15, 1947, the day Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier.
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