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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 5:00:50 GMT -5
Red Sox’s Raimel Tapia ‘would’ve made a hole in Green Monster’ if catcher didn’t interfere
Updated: Apr. 15, 2023, 8:43 p.m.|Published: Apr. 15, 2023, 8:40 p.m.
By
Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BOSTON — Raimel Tapia’s liner during the eighth inning left his bat at 96.1 mph. Angels left fielder Taylor Ward made a running catch in front of the Green Monster for what appeared to be the first out.
Not so fast.
Home plate umpire Cory Blaser called catcher’s interference on Los Angeles catcher Matt Thaiss, allowing Tapia to reach first base. Two catcher interference calls in the eighth inning helped the Red Sox rally for a 9-7 comeback win over the Angels at Fenway Park on Saturday.
“If I don’t hit the catchers’ mitt that ball would’ve made a hole in the Green Monster,” Tapia said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez. “I hit that ball really well.”
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Kiké Hernández singled to begin the frame, then Tapia followed as a pinch hitter. He knew it was interference immediately.
“It was good the umpire was focusing and he saw that play and he gave me the base,” Tapia said.
Manager Alex Cora added, “We were joking with Tapia. He crushed that ball to left field.”
Boston caught another major break with one out in the inning on another catcher’s interference call with pinch hitter Reese McGuire at the plate. McGuire fouled off a pitch but Blaser again called Thaiss for catcher’s interference.
“When I hit the foul ball, I definitely knew I had hit the glove first,” McGuire said.
Cora said it was the first time he has seen two catcher interference calls in the same inning.
“Never seen it. But that’s baseball,” Cora said.
It loaded the bases for Yu Chang who delivered a go-ahead two-run single to put the Red Sox ahead 8-7.
“It’s rare for sure,” McGuire said. “He (Thaiss) was obviously too close. It doesn’t happen that much. But it also happens when a hitter is seeing the ball deeper and trying to go the other way. And that’s typically when it happens. Some catchers, you’re trying to frame the pitch. Usually that’s what ends up happening is they’re trying to frame it and moving the glove forward.”
There were actually three catcher interference calls in the game. Connor Wong also got called for one.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 5:10:27 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK The Red Sox’ Tanner Houck wants to remain a starter, but it’s not up to him By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated April 15, 2023, 5:11 p.m.
Tanner Houck wants to be a starting pitcher. He’s worked diligently in his professional career to develop the diverse pitch mix to perform in that role.
The righthander, who was drafted with a tremendous sinker/slider combination, now chooses among five offerings. In 2020, he developed his four-seamer as a pitch to attack the glove side of the plate against lefthanded batters.
That same year, he started developing a splitter, and in early 2023, he’s shown comfort using it in a wide array of situations against righties and lefties. This offseason, given that his sinker, splitter, and even his four-seamer had arm-side run, he worked to develop a cutter to give him a pitch with right-to-left break.
With that mix, Houck (2-0, 4.50 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and 7 walks in 14 innings over three starts) feels he has a more complete starter’s arsenal than at any point in his life.
“I’ve always seen myself as a starter. There’s not ever been really any doubt in my mind that I’m not a starter,” said Houck. “I definitely feel like I’ve put myself in an even better [position] than I have in years past because before I was more of a two-pitch pitcher, and now I ultimately have four pitches, five pitches that I feel like I can throw at any point.”
Despite that conviction, it’s possible that Houck will soon lose his spot in the rotation. Brayan Bello is set to come off the injured list on Monday, a development that will set in motion a game of musical chairs among Red Sox starters.
According to manager Alex Cora, team officials will sit down after the next two days to decide how to proceed. No decisions about roles will be made this weekend.
With no offdays until April 27, it’s possible the Sox could elect to employ a six-man rotation for one or two turns. Still, by the end of the month, a starter could be moved to the bullpen, and given that Houck made that switch in 2021 and 2022, he’s an obvious candidate.
“He’s a good pitcher, that’s the bottom line,” said Cora. “We have to maximize his ability and he’s going to pitch a lot of innings.”
Houck has a clear preference about the role in which those innings would come, but he recognizes that the matter is not one of his choosing.
“I’m starting this year. I hope to continue in that role,” said Houck. “It’s really their call at the end of the day. I don’t have much say over it. We’ll have conversations, but I can only go out there and compete and put my best foot forward and continue to fight for the spot.” Paxton getting closer
James Paxton’s fourth pitch of his rehab start Friday night with Triple A Worcester registered at 97 miles per hour. So did his 70th and final offering of a 3⅓-inning effort in which he allowed two runs on four hits while striking out six.
“The arm strength feels great,” said Paxton. “The fastball has felt great.”
Still, Paxton, who last pitched in a big league game on April 6, 2021, said that he’s still working to reclaim the command and shape of his cutter and curveball. Cora said that Paxton will get at least one or two additional rehab starts before the team will consider activating him. As eager as Paxton is to return to the big leagues, he’s trying not to think ahead in his rehab progression.
“I’m focused on the day to day,” said Paxton. “I’m focused on doing whatever I can to make myself better and get that one step closer to being back here.” Kelly’s next step?
Righthander Zack Kelly’s MRI results from Friday will be sent to the doctor who performed an internal bracing procedure on his pitching elbow in 2020. Kelly, who left Wednesday’s game at Tampa Bay after injuring his elbow, said on Friday night that the MRI showed his ulnar collateral ligament is intact, but that the result was puzzling given the persistence of pain … Masataka Yoshida was out of the lineup for a fourth straight game in Saturday’s 9-7 comeback win over the Angels but is slated to DH on Sunday and start in left field on Monday, when Shohei Ohtani will start for the Angels. “There’s some players giving him some [expletive] over there, like, ‘You’ve got to play Monday. Don’t hide from [Ohtani],’ ” Cora said … With Ohtani and Yoshida set to face off, famed Japanese actor, comedian, and singer Takaaki Ishibashi was at Fenway to film interviews for his television show. He spoke with Yoshida, Ohtani, and Justin Turner during batting practice. Ishibashi’s acting credits include “Major League II” and “Major League: Back to the Minors.” … The Angels called up shortstop Zach Neto — their first-round pick in the 2022 draft — to make his big league debut. He went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts … Angels righthander Ryan Tepera left the game with a shoulder issue.
History remembered
On One Boston Day, the Red Sox commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2013 Marathon bombings in an emotional ceremony prior to the game. The team recognized public safety officers, emergency medical professionals, law enforcement members, and civic leaders involved in the response to the crisis, as well as bombing survivors and family members of those who died. Several members of the 2013 Red Sox championship team took part. A reunion of the 2013 team will take place during pregame ceremonies on Sunday … The Sox also recognized the 76th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. All big leaguers, including those on the Red Sox and Angels, wore No. 42 to honor the Hall of Famer.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 5:15:03 GMT -5
Angels @ Red Sox Sunday, April 16th 2023 1:30pm @ Fenway
Detmer 0-0/5.59
Whitlock 0-1/9.00
Rolling Red Sox seek faster start vs. Angels FLM
Rolling Red Sox seek faster start vs. Angels
Following a four-game losing streak, the Boston Red Sox found a way to win back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Angels to get back on track.
Boston will look to keep rolling on Sunday when it plays host to the Angels in the third game of the teams' four-game series.
With Saturday's 9-7 win, the Red Sox have come from behind in five of their first seven victories this season, while the team has yet to have a starting pitcher record an out in the sixth inning.
"It's been tough," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "We were able to survive, but it's kind of too soon to survive, to be honest with you. We've got to be better early on. We will be."
Garrett Whitlock (0-1, 9.00 ERA) hopes to shake off a tough Tuesday start at Tampa Bay with some home cooking at Fenway Park, where he is 7-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 41 career games (five starts).
The Red Sox have averaged 6.1 runs per game at home this season, but it took a pair of catcher's interference calls loading the bases and a two-run single by Yu Chang in the eighth inning to nab Saturday's game.
Chang, who also homered and finished the game with four RBIs, was 0-for-16 this season entering Saturday.
"I'm so happy that the team gave me the opportunity to play every day," Chang said through a translator. "I didn't do well in the beginning, but (Saturday), I just got the chance, and with that homer, I was so happy."
Whitlock, who made nine starts while also working in a relief role last season, allowed five runs on a career-high three homers in five innings in his last outing.
Two of his 2022 starts came against the Angels. He allowed six runs and struck out 14 across nine combined innings.
While the Red Sox have shown the ability to come back, it's been a different story for the Angels, who have led in six of their first seven losses.
"We were in position to win a game when our starter wasn't at his best, and we just didn't finish it," Angels manager Phil Nevin said of Saturday's setback.
Tyler Anderson lasted four innings and allowed six runs, but four Angels relievers combined to allow three, only one of which was earned.
Reid Detmers (0-0, 5.59) will be tasked with trying to get Los Angeles' pitching staff in a rhythm.
Detmers is seeking his first career win against the Red Sox in his third-ever start against the team, though he worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings in a home outing against Boston on June 8 of last season.
Despite logging 12 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings, Detmers has yet to record a decision this season. He fanned five across five innings last Sunday against Toronto, a game Los Angeles lost 12-11 in 10 innings.
"We've got a good squad," Detmers said after his last start. "We're never going to back down."
The Angels hope that mentality carries into Sunday as they look to avoid losing the series.
Saturday was a milestone-filled day for Los Angeles, as shortstop Zach Neto made his major league debut, Mike Trout hit his 300th career double and Shohei Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 36 games, extending the active league-leading mark.
--Field Level Media
Angels at Red Sox Sunday, at 1:35 PM EST Foggy It's expected to be 52° F with a 15% chance of rain and 8 MPH wind blowing in in Boston at 1:35 PM EST.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 9:58:31 GMT -5
Game 16: Angels at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Amin Touri Globe Staff,Updated April 16, 2023, 15 minutes ago These Red Sox seem to like a streak. An Opening Day defeat was followed by two wins in a row, then a demoralizing sweep at the hands of the Pirates, a resurgent sweep over the Tigers, and another losing sweep against the Rays; now, the Sox have won two in a row against the Angels, and can make it three on Sunday. Garrett Whitlock struggled in his first start of the season, allowing five earned runs in five innings in one of those defeats to Tampa Bay; he’ll look to put things right with his Fenway season debut Sunday. The Angels will turn to Reid Detmers for his third career start against Boston. The southpaw has given up three earned runs over nine innings in his previous two outings against the Sox. Lineups ANGELS (7-7): 1. Zach Neto (R) SS 2. Mike Trout (R) CF 3. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH 4. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B 5. Hunter Renfroe (R) RF 6. Gio Urshela (R) 1B 7. Luis Rengifo (S) LF 8. Brandon Drury (R) 2B 9. Logan O'Hoppe (R) C Pitching: LHP Reid Detmers (0-0, 5.59 ERA) RED SOX (7-8): 1. Alex Verdugo (L) RF 2. Justin Turner (R) 1B 3. Rob Refsnyder (R) LF 4. Rafael Devers (L) 3B 5. Enrique Hernandez (R) CF 6. Masataka Yoshida (L) DH 7. Christian Arroyo (R) 2B 8. Connor Wong (R) C 9. Yu Chang (R) SS Pitching: RHP Garrett Whitlock (0-1, 9.00 ERA) Time: 1:35 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Angels vs. Whitlock: Brandon Drury 2-3, Jake Lamb 0-1, Brett Phillips 0-1, Anthony Rendon 0-2, Hunter Renfroe 1-1, Luis Rengifo 0-2, Mike Trout 2-4, Gio Urshela 1-5, Taylor Ward 0-1 Red Sox vs. Detmers: Christian Arroyo 1-3, Bobby Dalbec 0-2, Rafael Devers 0-3, Kiké Hernández 1-2, Raimel Tapia 0-2, Justin Turner 1-3, Alex Verdugo 0-4 Stat of the day: No Sox starter has recorded an out in the sixth inning this season. Notes: Whitlock is 7-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 41 career games (five starts). Two of his 2022 starts came against the Angels — he allowed six runs and struck out 14 across nine combined innings. ... Yu Chang was 0 for 16 on the season before his game-winning RBI single on Saturday ... Despite logging 12 strikeouts in 9 ⅔ innings, Detmers has yet to record a decision this season. He fanned five across five innings last Sunday against Toronto, a game Los Angeles lost 12-11 in 10 innings ... Shohei Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 36 games Saturday, the active league-leading mark. Song of the Day: INXS- Disappearwww.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvo-bfaVsg0
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 10:21:38 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 8m Chris Martin headed to the IL with a shoulder issue. Callup on the way. TBA.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Apr 16, 2023 10:25:25 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe ·
Shane Victorino in the house and gets a nice round of applause. As he should. After watching him a few games, I came to the conclusion there was no way he was finishing his contract. The dude threw himself at every flyball. After a while, I was cringing with how often he hit the ground.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Apr 16, 2023 10:26:47 GMT -5
Ort is warming ( dear jesus) Rendon with a single
6-5 Red Sox
Pivetta is so meh
and just got the hook. That's why we need Sale, and maybe Bello. A lot of our SPs are 'meh'. There is nothing wrong with mediocrity at cheap wages, but we need a few guys that can consistently pitch above .500.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Apr 16, 2023 10:28:17 GMT -5
Ort is warming ( dear jesus) Rendon with a single
6-5 Red Sox
Pivetta is so meh
and just got the hook. Ort's been okay, just incredibly inconsistent. At least he is upwardly mobile.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 11:27:18 GMT -5
Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_ · 19m Jake Faria is being called-up to replace Chris Martin on the big league roster, per @chrishenrique .
Red Sox will need to open up a spot on the 40-man, so it looks like Zack Kelly could be landing on the 60-Day IL.
Faria is an easy DFA in tbe coming days.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 11:33:56 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 28s Chris Martin to IL with shoulder inflammation. Jake Faria called up. Wyatt Mills to 60-day IL.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 11:37:16 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 1h After facing Detmers today, the run of mostly LHP starters is over and it looks like 9 out of the next 10 may be RHP.
Curious if they ride with Chang at SS for now, or if this may be a good window to flip Dalbec and Duran and see if he can give the lineup something.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 11:38:48 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 44m 40-man roster pitchers at the moment
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 11:50:18 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 5m The ‘13 crew back in town.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 16, 2023 12:24:02 GMT -5
Nice to see alot of the 2013 team there being honored today not as magical as the 2004 team, but man they were a steam roller that year.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Apr 16, 2023 12:40:09 GMT -5
We need this one today. If we win, it guarantees at least a 3-1 against the Angels. Then I am not much concerned about tomorrow, and the focus would be more about seeing what kind of shape Bello is in.
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