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Post by Kimmi on Jun 21, 2023 7:22:47 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h #RedSox 10, #Twins 4, final.
That's 6 in a row for the Sox.
First career save for Kluber, which pretty much tells you the value of that statistic. Yeah, don't get me started on "Saves" or "Blown Saves". With regards to Kluber, he's giving up home runs at an unprecedented rate for him due to an unprecedented high HR/FB rate. That number should regress to the mean and hopefully Kluber will start getting some better results.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 7:27:02 GMT -5
Why latest Red Sox win suggests they are built for the long haul
By Rob Bradford WEEI 93.7 38 minutes ago
Just before the start of Wednesday night's game between the Red Sox and Twins at Target Field - an affair that would ultimately result in a 10-4 Sox win - word came down that shortstop Pablo Reyes was out due to abdominal soreness.
While such news regarding Reyes might have believed to be a small thing, this was a player who had solidified an unsettled position for the Red Sox, hitting .308 with a .702 OPS and a plus-two defensive runs saved.
Insert Christian Arroyo.
The team's original starting second baseman became that guy once again, with Kiké Hernandez moving back over to shortstop. Arroyo immediately showed the skillset that had put him in that Opening Day position, going 5-for-5 with a home run, double and four RBI.
“I’m kind of speechless,” Arroyo told reporters. “I’ve never done that before. I think I had one [five-hit game] in the Minor Leagues, but never obviously done it in the big leagues. This is the biggest stage, right? Every hitter dreams of that. It was awesome. It was great.”
The Red Sox have put themselves back in position to think about playing in the postseason, having now won six straight while sitting 1 1/2 games out of the last Wild Card spot. (It is a playoff positioning, by the way, that would currently pit them against these Twins in the first round.)
All well and good. But the dark clouds that loom are being closer by injuries to players such as Reyes. Fortunately, the Red Sox are able to continue their sunshine-filled days thanks to players like Arroyo. Depth. Evidently, it is important, with Trevor Story's potential presence at the position next month offering the next reminder.
And then there is Kutter Crawford.
The pitcher is currently representing perhaps the most important roster security blanket for the Red Sox considering the loss of both Chris Sale and Tanner Houck. Without Crawford, this rotation would be left with a rookie (Brayan Bello), a newbie starter (Garrett Whitlock) and a veteran who hadn't seen this many starts since 2019 (James Paxton).
It could have been a really bad spot for the Red Sox to be in with limited Triple-A starting pitching depth and a trade market that wasn't currently built for teams desperate for starting pitching help.
But if Crawford can be this Crawford - the one who didn't allow a run or walk over his five innings against the Twins - that would be one less thing for this team to worry about.
Tuesday night offered more examples of how this has become a multi-man show, with the decision to sit Jarren Duran after his three-double game a wise one. Home runs from outfielders Adam Duvall and Masa Yoshida will do that.
Make no mistake about it, there comes a tipping point for any team when it comes to injuries. Just look at last year's Red Sox for that reality, having followed a 20-6 June with an 8-19 July.
But for now, this win - and win streak - tell the story.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 13:13:26 GMT -5
Red Sox infielder could make MLB debut:
MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported yesterday that infielder David Hamilton is set to join the Red Sox ahead of today’s game in Minnesota to provide insurance against infielder Pablo Reyes making a trip to the injured list. Reyes was scratched from yesterday’s lineup due to an abdominal issue. Per Cotillo, it’s unclear if Hamilton will be activated today, but in the event that he is, he’ll be poised to make his major league debut after slashing .255/.339/.486 in 237 plate appearances this season. A 40-man roster move would not be necessary to accommodate Hamilton, as he is already on the 40-man roster. The 25-year-old Hamilton joined the Red Sox organization as one of the two prospects they effectively purchased in the Dec. 2021 Hunter Renfroe/Jackie Bradley Jr. trade.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 13:17:51 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h #RedSox 10, #Twins 4, final.
That's 6 in a row for the Sox.
First career save for Kluber, which pretty much tells you the value of that statistic. Yeah, don't get me started on "Saves" or "Blown Saves". With regards to Kluber, he's giving up home runs at an unprecedented rate for him due to an unprecedented high HR/FB rate. That number should regress to the mean and hopefully Kluber will start getting some better results.
Kluber should be DFA'd like a week ago
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 13:32:41 GMT -5
Game 75: Red Sox at Twins lineups and notesBy Andrew Mahoney Globe Staff,Updated June 21, 2023, 10:55 a.m. The hits keep coming for the Red Sox, who extended their winning streak to six with a 10-4 victory over the Twins Tuesday night. The Sox have outscored their opponents 50-18 over the course of the streak. Christian Arroyo provided an unexpected offensive outburst. Originally not in the lineup, the infielder had a career night, going 5 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs in place of Pablo Reyes, who was scratched because of right abdominal soreness about 45 minutes before the first pitch. Garrett Whitlock will be on the mound as the Sox look to extend the streak to seven. They have won each of Whitlock’s last four starts. Lineups RED SOX (39-35): 1. Jarren Duran (L) CF 2. Alex Verdugo (L) RF 3. Justin Turner (R) DH 4. Rafael Devers (L) 3B 5. Masataka Yoshida (L) LF 6. Triston Casas (L) 1B 7. Christian Arroyo (R) 2B 8. Reese McGuire (L) C 9. Enrique Hernandez (R) SS Pitching: RHP Garrett Whitlock (4-2, 4.38 ERA) TWINS (36-38): 1. Edouard Julien (L) 2B 2. Alex Kirilloff (L) 1B 3. Carlos Correa (R) SS 4. Byron Buxton (R) DH 5. Max Kepler (L) RF 6. Royce Lewis (R) 3B 7. Joey Gallo (L) LF 8. Christian Vazquez (R) C 9. Michael A. Taylor (R) CF Pitching: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 2.37 ERA) Time: 7:40 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Red Sox vs. Gray: Triston Casas 0-3, Rafael Devers 3-12, Jarren Duran 1-2, Adam Duvall 3-7, Kiké Hernández 0-6, Rob Refsnyder 0-2, Justin Turner 5-11, Alex Verdugo 3-5, Connor Wong 1-2, Masataka Yoshida 0-3 Twins vs. Whitlock: Willi Castro 0-1, Carlos Correa 0-3, Kyle Farmer 1-2, Joey Gallo 0-2, Ryan Jeffers 0-2, Max Kepler 1-2, Alex Kirilloff 0-1, Michael A. Taylor 0-2 Stat of the day: Whitlock has allowed a total of three home runs in his last six outings spanning 34 innings. Notes: Alex Verdugo is 18-for-48 during his 11-game hitting streak and is tied for the American League lead in doubles (24). … Justin Turner is 5-for-11 with a home run against Gray. … Whitlock won his second straight start last Wednesday, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 6-3 victory over the Rockies. In four relief appearances against Minnesota, Whitlock has a 3.86 ERA. … Gray is 1-7 with a 6.29 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) against the Red Sox. Song of the Day: Van Halen- Dancing in the Street www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIfotf13gzE
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 16:45:01 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 1h Pablo Reyes says he thinks he’s going to avoid the IL. No final decision from team. David Hamilton may not be activated after all.
Kluber to IL with shoulder inflammation. David Hamilton activated.
Cora confirms Brandon Walter is expected to make his MLB debut in tomorrow’s series finale against the Twins. Could be a starter or follow an opener.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 16:45:51 GMT -5
Got a feeling that Kluber "injury" is gonna be a long one thank u Baby Jesus
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 21, 2023 16:47:17 GMT -5
Bloom Ball Depth
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 19m Red Sox planning to recall LHP Brandon Walter for tomorrow afternoon. He is 1-5, 6.28 in 12 AAA games. 1.65 WHIP. Could follow an opener.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 4:51:25 GMT -5
Ort should enter every game waving a white flag
Red Sox have 6-game win streak snapped by Twins, Kaleb Ort falters in 10th
Updated: Jun. 21, 2023, 11:58 p.m.|Published: Jun. 21, 2023, 10:38 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
MINNEAPOLIS — With Chris Martin pitching the eighth inning and Kenley Jansen taking the ninth in a tie game Wednesday night, the Red Sox had to look lower on their bullpen depth chart for the 10th inning against the Twins. Kaleb Ort couldn’t get the job done.
Kyle Farmer hit a walk-off RBI single for the Twins as Minnesota won a back-and-forth game, 5-4, to snap Boston’s six-game winning streak. The Red Sox, who got seven strong innings from Garrett Whitlock, fell to 39-36. Boston was 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base in the loss.
After winning the first two games in Minnesota, the Sox jumped out to an early lead in the first when Justin Turner worked a two-out walk and scored when Rafael Devers smoked a double off the center field wall. The Twins tied the game when Byron Buxton doubled and Kepler singled him home in the second, then took the lead when Christian Vázquez singled off Kiké Hernández’s glove and Royce Lewis came all the way around to score from first base in the second.
Turner made it 2-2 with a tape-measure solo blast off Sonny Gray that traveled 447 feet in the third, but Minnesota once again pulled ahead when Farmer doubled and scored on a Carlos Correa RBI groundout. In the fifth, Alex Verdugo laced a one-out triple down the right field line then scored when Turner singled for his second RBI of the game.
Kepler put the Twins ahead once again with a solo homer off Garrett Whitlock in the sixth before the Sox used some small ball to tie it in the top of the eighth. After Masataka Yoshida walked, David Hamilton entered as a pinch-runner for his MLB debut and stole second before scoring on a hard-hit Triston Casas double into the gap.
In the top of the 10th, the Sox were unable to plate their automatic runner as Turner grounded out, Devers struck out and, after an intentional walk, Casas struck out on a 3-2 count to end the inning. After Boston intentionally walked Vázquez to start the bottom of the inning, Michael A. Taylor loaded the bases with a sacrifice bunt in which he nearly beat a lunging Ort to the bag. Farmer looped a soft single to center to end the game.
The Sox had eight baserunners against Gray, who entered with a 2.37 ERA, but were only able to tag him for three runs in five innings. Whitlock went seven innings for the second straight start but took a no decision after allowing eight hits and striking out six batters.
McGuire injured
Catcher Reese McGuire looked to be in significant pain after swinging at a pitch in the sixth inning and was immediately lifted for pinch-hitter Connor Wong. According to the Red Sox, McGuire suffered a right oblique strain.
If the Red Sox need to add a catcher, former Twin Caleb Hamilton is the most likely option at Triple-A, though he is not on the 40-man roster.
Hamilton debuts on basepaths
Hamilton stole 70 bases in Double-A last season, so it wasn’t necessarily a surprise that manager Alex Cora called upon him to enter the game as the potential tying run in the eighth. He became the first Red Sox player to steal a base after debuting as a pinch-runner since Trot Nixon did it on Sept. 21, 1996, according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Walter on tap for debut in finale
Left-handed prospect Brandon Walter will make his major league debut, either as a starter or bulk reliever behind an opener, in the series finale of the four-game set between the Red Sox and Twins on Thursday afternoon. Joe Ryan (7-4, 3.30 ERA) will get the ball for the Twins.
The Red Sox, who will clinch their second straight series win with a victory, will then fly to Chicago ahead of a three-game series against the White Sox that begins Friday night.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 4:53:00 GMT -5
'I was energized': Speedy prospect Hamilton shows off best skill in debut 2:07 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
MINNEAPOLIS -- David Hamilton's lightning-fast legs were shaking with excitement when Red Sox manager Alex Cora called on the club’s No. 26 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, to pinch run for Masataka Yoshida with one out in the top of the eighth down by a run on Wednesday night.
For Hamilton, this was his Major League debut and it was no mystery why Hamilton was in the game.
His job was to steal a base, because that’s, by far, his top skill. Hamilton stole 70 bases for Double-A Portland last season and already has 27 for Triple-A Worcester this season. On a 20-80 scouting scale, MLB Pipeline has his running tool at a 70.
He waited one pitch, then let Twins reliever Jhoan Duran make one pickoff move. And after that, Hamilton’s nerves were settled and he went for it.
Hamilton bolted on the 0-1 pitch and the play wasn’t even close. The 25-year-old went in standing up as Christian Vázquez’s throw was well short of the base. A good throw wouldn’t have made a difference. On the next pitch, Triston Casas belted a double to the gap in left-center and Hamilton crossed home with the tying run.
The only downer for Hamilton was that the Red Sox lost the game to the Twins, 5-4, in 10 innings.
“We were surprised he didn't take off on the first one,” quipped Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “But obviously, it's your first big league play. I wasn't expecting that. He got a good jump, he got to second, and he put pressure on them.”
Did Hamilton contemplate going on the first pitch?
“Nah, I definitely needed a minute to settle in,” said Hamilton. “Had to take it in. A little scared. I didn’t know too much about [Duran’s move] either. Just seeing how he went about it.”
Hamilton quickly developed a head of steam on that next pitch, stealing the base in 3.75 seconds and motoring to second with a sprint speed of 27.6 feet per second after getting a secondary lead of 24.3 feet.
“Pretty good [jump],” said Hamilton. “[My] legs were definitely loose and that helped. I was energized.”
How could he not be?
“It’s amazing,” said Hamilton. “Just making my debut for the Red Sox, it’s awesome. You always hear about the Red Sox growing up. It’s cool that I could be a part of that.”
While it’s unclear how long Hamilton will be on the roster in his first Major League stint, he will make his first career start at shortstop for Thursday’s finale of this four-game series at Target Field.
Not long after his pinch-running debut, Hamilton went into the hall outside the clubhouse and embraced the moment with his family, who had flown in from Texas to be part of the big moment.
“Just everybody smiling, everybody happy, hugging me, congratulating me,” said Hamilton. “I felt good. It means a lot.”
Nobody’s smile was wider than David Hamilton Sr., a college baseball player for Southwest Texas (now Texas State) in 1986-87.
“He was happy. He was so giddy, smiling, yeah, everybody was just happy for me,” said Hamilton. “He was the one that pretty much taught me how to steal, always working on me with the starts and getting good jumps.”
The Red Sox are already anticipating Hamilton’s next big moment on the bases.
“We all saw him in Spring Training and I was fortunate enough to see him in Triple-A. He’s a difference maker with that speed,” said Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock. “We’re excited to have him and we love what he brings.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 4:54:07 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: McGuire (oblique strain) headed to IL 2:05 AM ADT ;
3 seconds remaining LATEST NEWS
June 21: C Reese McGuire (right oblique strain) headed to injured list The Red Sox's backup catcher injured his right oblique taking a swing in the top of the sixth inning of Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Twins. It's all but certain McGuire will be placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Thursday's series finale. The Red Sox will have to scramble to get a catcher into Minneapolis for the 1:10 p.m. ET start, and Caleb Hamilton is likely to be the call-up.
"It was either during the swing or at the end point of it, I felt it kind of grab and tighten up," said McGuire. "It's definitely my oblique. We talked to the doctor but didn't get any imaging or anything. I felt it and wanted it not to be true but I know the way I felt. It sucks."
June 21: RHP Corey Kluber placed on 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation; INF David Hamilton recalled from Triple-A Worcester Kluber, who struggled in the rotation and has also been hit hard since moving to the bullpen, will take at least a couple of weeks to recover from shoulder issues. The veteran is 3-6 with a 7.04 ERA in 15 games (nine starts this season). Hamilton, who is arguably the fastest player in the organization and ranked as the club's No. 26 prospect, is taking the vacant spot on the roster.
“He’s been battling it,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of Kluber. “And yesterday, he didn't feel great afterwards. We were waiting for today to how he reacted to it and I think this is the smart thing to do with him.”
June 21: INF Pablo Reyes (right abdominal soreness) feeling better Reyes was scratched from the lineup roughly 20 minutes before Tuesday night’s game due to right abdominal discomfort but reported that he was feeling much better on Wednesday. Manager Alex Cora said at this point, it looks like Reyes won’t have to go on the injured list. In fact, Reyes was used as a pinch runner in Wednesday's 5-4 loss and stayed in the game at shortstop. Reyes has been Boston's primary shortstop in recent days, slashing .308/.343/.369 this season while playing solid defense.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 4:55:57 GMT -5
Red Sox’s Brandon Walter, former 26th-rd pick, will make MLB debut Thursday
Published: Jun. 21, 2023, 9:35 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
MINNEAPOLIS — With Chris Sale (shoulder) and Tanner Houck (facial fracture) both down for the time being, the Red Sox will turn to one of their top pitching prospects Thursday against the Twins.
Boston plans to promote left-hander Brandon Walter to either start or pitch in relief of an opener in the series finale at Target Field, manager Alex Cora said Wednesday. When Walter does enter the game, it will be the former 26th-round pick’s major league debut.
Walter, who entered the year as MLB.com’s No. 7 prospect in Boston’s system, was told late Tuesday night in Worcester that he was being called up to the majors. He hopped on a flight with WooSox teammate David Hamilton and arrived in Minnesota on Wednesday.
“Definitely coming into this year, for sure, one of my goals was to get here and contribute,” Walter said. “Not only to get here but to make an impact, earn the respect of the guys in the clubhouse and the staff here and the fans obviously, to the point where they trust me to give me the ball in any situation – down in the ‘pen, starting, I don’t really care. Just know that they’re confident in me to give me the ball.”
Walter has not had a good season at Triple-A. In 13 appearances (12 starts), the lefty has posted a 6.28 ERA in 61 ⅔ innings. He has walked batters at a high rate (3.8 per 9 innings) while allowing a 1.654 WHIP. The last couple outings have been better, however. On June 11, Walter held Rochester to two runs while striking out seven in six innings. On Saturday in Norfolk, he allowed just two runs and three hits in 4 ⅓ frames. Manager Alex Cora has been encouraged by Walter’s recent showings.
“He’s throwing the ball well,” Cora said. “There’s a few things we have to do. We’ve been working throughout the process down there in Triple-A to help him keep getting better as the level goes up. Stuff-wise, it’s very similar to what we saw in spring training. He’s still throwing strikes. Obviously, the swings-and-misses are not there compared to previous years. The last two or three, we’re comfortable he can actually come up here and compete, throw a lot of strikes from a different angle and give us a chance to win.”
Walter’s rise to the majors has not been a traditional one. Undrafted as a high schooler in 2016, Walter spent three years at the University of Delaware before the Red Sox took him with the 797th pick of the draft in 2016. He signed for just a $35,000 bonus and was a reliever during his first year in pro ball before emerging as a name to watch while training on his own and increasing his velocity in 2020, when the pandemic caused the minor league season to be cancelled. When play resumed in 2021, Walter was dominant, pitching to a 2.92 ERA and posting a 132:20 strikeout-to-walk-rate in 89 ⅓ innings between Single-A Salem and High-A Greenville. He spent some of last season injured and was added to the 40-man roster in November.
For someone picked as low as Walter, just getting to the majors is an accomplishment. He noted that in the current draft structure, which only includes 20 rounds, he wouldn’t have even been drafted.
“I take a lot of pride,” he said. “I’ve said the whole time, if they’re going to keep giving me the ball, keep giving me a jersey, I can prove some people wrong who maybe skipped me in that draft. I never looked at myself as below anybody else because I got drafted later.”
Walter said his parents, girlfriend, high school coach, agent, trainer and other friends will be on hand Thursday in Minnesota. Cora wouldn’t commit to using Walter past his debut but there’s a chance a good performance could earn him more chances.
“I think my best innings have been the most recent ones, which is most important,” he said. “So I feel confident coming into this, and hopefully just help this team win. That’s all I’m here for.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 5:03:46 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 10h Simple thought on how to improve the Red Sox broadcast on NESN -- Mike Monaco every night, Bill Burr never again.
Gimmick special guests just aren't all that entertaining.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 5:07:20 GMT -5
Jon Couture @joncouture · 9h Justin Turner/J.D. Martinez: The classic win-win trade (that wasn't technically a trade). #RedSoxJon Couture @joncouture ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 22, 2023 5:09:20 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 7h Rough execution throughout this game for the Red Sox. Ort was late covering first on a sac bunt attempt, then missed the bag as he tried to catch the ball on the run. Taylor was initially ruled out, but this is likely to be overturned, leaving the bases loaded with no outs.
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