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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 4:47:50 GMT -5
Plenty of rust evident in Trevor Story’s return to Red Sox lineup
Updated: Aug. 08, 2023, 11:29 p.m.|Published: Aug. 08, 2023, 11:23 p.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — Before Tuesday night, it had been about 11 months since Trevor Story had last competed in a major league setting.
In between, there were countless drills and exercises and hours and hours of hard work as he rehabbed from interior brace surgery on his right elbow last January. Story made sure to take in his surroundings in the first inning as he took the field against the Kansas City Royals, then again in the bottom of the inning when he stepped into the batter’s box for his first at-bat of the 2023 season.
In the stands, Story had family members watching, taking part in his return to what the veteran infielder labeled “my biggest passion in life” -- playing baseball. He received a nice ovation from the fans at Fenway.
“It was just an emotional day all around for me and my family,” said Story.
As the night unfolded, however, it was plainly evident that it was going to take some time for him to get re-acclimated. In the Red Sox one-sided 9-3 loss to the lowly Kansas City Royals, Story was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts - each of them swinging.
“Obviously not great tonight,’' said Story in summarizing his plate appearances. “Still working on some timing stuff. It’s kind of how it was on my rehab stint - some good games, some bad games. I’m still just trying to be consistent with it. That’s the main thing right now. (I was) late on fastballs and in-between on breaking stuff. That’s kind of what it was tonight.”
“This is part of it. This is the big leagues,” said Alex Cora, attempting to put Story’s night in context. “Obviously, for how much we want him to play right away, it’s not that easy. He’ll work on it and he’ll try to get his timing at this level. But this is how it works. We’ve seen it throughout the league (for other players returning after extended layoffs).
“He competed, which is the most important thing....Overall just to have him there, it means a lot to us. Hopefully it’s the beginning of something great for us.”
Defensively, Story’s return was far more seamless, though, in truth, he had just one chance all night.
That play, though, was eye-opening. With a runner on third, a run already in and one out, the Red Sox brought the infield in during the seventh inning. When Bobby Witt Jr. hit a smash, Story made a lunging play to his right, and from one knee, unleashed a strong throw to first to nab one of the fastest baserunners in the game.
“It was good to get that diving play and throw from the knees,” said Story. “I was happy with that. I had some similar plays on my rehab stint, though not from a knee. It’s always good to get those firsts out of the way. It felt really good. I wasn’t thinking about anything, just playing ball...I’m feeling really good (physically) and playing shortstop feels like home to me.”
For the first week, the Red Sox have Story on a play-one, sit-one schedule when it comes to playing shortstop, allowing him time to build up stamina and recover from the demands of playing nine innings. The Red Sox have discussed with him the possibility of serving as the DH on some off-days, and with Justin Turner (heel) banged up for the time being, Wednesday could represent that first opportunity.
“I need the at-bats to kind of get the timing going,” he said. “That’s a big part of it, getting the reps. There’s no more spring training. It’s time to go. We’re trying to fight for a playoff spot. It’s as simple as that and if I can feel good as the DH and the arm’s responding well, it’s kind of up to (Cora).”
Story said no decision had been made about whether he will DH Wednesday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 4:59:48 GMT -5
Dan Shaughnessy @dan_Shaughnessy · 9h Once again, we ask ourselves, "who is this person pitching for the Red Sox?'' Also, can anyone remember a worse defensive team than the 2023 Red Sox?
This Red Sox embarrassment knows no bounds. Even NESN can’t sugarcoat it.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 5:11:06 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Justin Turner forced to sit with bruised left heel By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated August 9, 2023, 12:05 a.m.
The Red Sox welcomed shortstop Trevor Story back to the lineup Tuesday night, hitting him third against the Kansas City Royals in a 9-3 loss.
But another important player, Justin Turner, was missing.
Turner has been shut down until at least Friday because of a bruised left heel.
“Hopefully we can get him ready for the weekend,” Sox manager Alex Cora said.
Turner was injured in Seattle on July 31 when he lunged for first base to beat out an infield single in the ninth inning. He missed the next three games then returned Saturday. He was 2 for 10 over three games and appeared uncomfortable at the plate.
“That’s your legs, that’s your base. It’s hard to hit that way,” Cora said.
Turner has hit .284 with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs in his first season with the Sox. Only Rafael Devers has more home runs (26) or RBIs (79).
Masataka Yoshida was the designated hitter Tuesday, going 0 for 3 with a walk. Chang dropped
With Story being activated off the 60-day injured list, the Sox designated infielder Yu Chang for assignment.
Chang, who will turn 28 this month, played in 39 games, starting 30 times at shortstop and twice at second base. He hit .162 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs. Chang was the regular shortstop early in the season before breaking the hamate bone in his left wrist in Baltimore April 26. He did not return until July 7.
“He was here to play defense and he played great defense for us,” Cora said. “Offensively, there’s a few things he needs to keep working on — pitch recognition, swinging at the right ones. He showed flashes of power and he had good at-bats with men in scoring position.
“There’s still growing [to be done] in his game. He’s a good player. Let’s see what happens in the upcoming days. He’s a good defender and teams like that.”
If Chang clears waivers, the Sox would likely outright him to Triple A Worcester. Boone goes batty
As the Red Sox and Yankees fight to stay in contention, their managers shared a laugh Tuesday.
Cora called Aaron Boone after seeing highlights of his ejection during Monday night’s game in Chicago against the White Sox. It was an all-time meltdown after a called third strike on Anthony Volpe by the notoriously erratic Laz Diaz.
Boone went chin to chin with the umpire, pointing at him and drawing a line in the dirt next to the plate to show he thought the pitch was outside. Boone then dramatically imitated Diaz’s third strike call before storming back to the dugout, having been ejected.
“He’s awesome, he’s awesome. That was really good,” Cora said. “I told him the hips were really good; he got it right.”
Cora joked that he would call MLB vice president of on-field operations Mike Hill and pay half of Boone’s fine. He also said the call on Volpe was correct.
“I don’t know what [Boone] was complaining about. That was good,” Cora said.
Cora and Boone have a longstanding friendship. Both came from baseball families, played in the majors at the same time, and went to work for ESPN before getting back in uniform.
“That was good yesterday, that was good,” Cora said. “He did a good job, Boonie did.”
Cora has been ejected only 11 times in five years, twice this season. Boone has been tossed 36 times in six seasons, six times this year.
Back on the mound
Garrett Whitlock is set to start for Worcester on Wednesday afternoon against Buffalo. The righthander, out since July 3 with an elbow injury, is expected to work 2-3 innings in preparation of joining the Red Sox over the weekend in a relief role . . . After using three relievers for 5⅔ innings, the Sox will forgo an opener and use Nick Pivetta as their starter Wednesday night against righthander Jordan Lyles. Pivetta has faced the Royals four times since 2021 and allowed 15 earned runs over 19⅓ innings . . . James Paxton is set for Thursday with Chris Sale coming off the injured list Friday . . . Kiké Hernández hit .324 with an .891 OPS in his first 11 games with the Dodgers. He has started games at second base, third base, left field, and center field, but hasn’t played at all at shortstop, which was his primary position with the Red Sox . . . The Royals stole six bases, the most the Sox have allowed since Sept. 5, 2013, against the Yankees . . . Kansas City has won eight of its last 11 . . . … Kyle Teel, the Red Sox’ first-round pick in the June draft, made a memorable debut with High A Greenville. He was 3 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored in a 14-8 victory against Greensboro. The catcher also threw out the only runner who attempted to steal. Teel, from the University of Virginia, was the 14th overall pick.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 5:17:46 GMT -5
Royals @ Red Sox Wednesday, 9th August 2023 7pm @ Fenway
Lyles 3-12/ 6.24
Pivetta 7-6/ 4.19
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7:10pm EDT Written by Bosun Akinpelu
The Boston Red Sox (58-54) will be going for the series win when they face the Kansas City Royals (36-78) in the third game of their four-game series on Wednesday night.
Boston is 6-4 in its last 10 games against Kansas City.
**This preview was written before Tuesday’s game was played**
Royals Trying To Snap Losing Streak The Royals followed up their seven-game winning streak by losing their last three games. They will try to put an end to the losing streak with a win over the Red Sox, which will give them their eighth win in their last 11 games.
Kansas City is averaging 3.88 runs per game. Their .238 batting average is 22nd in the league. Their .297 on base percentage is 29th, while their .385 slugging percentage is 26th.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been the big bat for the Royals. He leads the team with a .269 batting average, 20 home runs, and 68 RBI.
Kansas City’s pitching isn’t very good, with the team giving up 5.33 runs per game. Opponents have a .263 batting average against the Royals, which is 26th in the league. Their 5.21 ERA is 28th, while their 1.41 WHIP is 25th.
In his last start, Lyles gave up eight hits and five runs in 5.2 innings, leading to a 7-5 win over Philadelphia. They will need a better effort from him if they want to win this game.
Red Sox Going For Sixth Win In Nine Home Games The Red Sox struggled over the past week, but they’ve played well in recent home games, winning five of their last eight games at Fenway Park. They will try to keep the momentum going with another win over the Royals, which will give them their sixth win in their last nine home games.
Boston is averaging 4.90 runs per game. Their .262 batting average is fourth in the league. Their .329 on base percentage is eighth, while their .432 slugging percentage is sixth.
Masataka Yoshida leads Boston with a .306 batting average, while Rafael Devers leads the team with 26 home runs and 79 RBI.
Boston’s pitching hasn’t been good, with the team giving up 4.63 runs per game. Opponents have a .256 batting average against the Red Sox, which is 24th in the league. Their 4.36 ERA is 17th, while their 1.31 WHIP is 19th
Royals at Red Sox Wednesday, at 7:10 PM EST Clear It's expected to be 80° F with a 2% chance of precipitation and 10 MPH wind blowing left to right in Boston at 7:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 6:32:50 GMT -5
Is the help for the Red Sox too little, too late?
By Justin Turpin WEEI 93.7 33 minutes ago
Originally slated to make his return on Thursday, Trevor Story was back in the Red Sox lineup for the first time in 332 days Tuesday night in what felt like a move of urgency by the Red Sox.
Story was initially scheduled to finish out his rehab assignment which was set to expire Wednesday, but after getting swept by the Blue Jays over the weekend and sitting five games out of the third Wild Card spot entering Tuesday night, it feels like the Red Sox felt the time running out, which left them no choice but to activate the two-time All Star.
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, the time for urgency has passed. That was on display with Tuesday night's loss to the Royals.
Part of the reason the Red Sox front office stood pat at the deadline was because of the looming returns of Story, Chris Sale, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck at the “Mini trade deadline,” which kicked off Tuesday night with the return of Story.
However, the reality is, the clock really is ticking for the Red Sox to crawl out of the hole they now find themselves in and relying on these guys coming off injury is simply not enough.
Following Tuesday night’s 9-3 loss to the 37-78 (!) Kansas City Royals, the Red Sox are now 2-5 since the deadline and have been outscored 46-26.
The first of the “additions” for the Red Sox struggled mightily on Tuesday night. Story finished the night 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Struggles for Story early on should be expected, and the hiccups of returning to Major League play was on display when he was completely blown away on a 94 MPH sinker from Brady Singer in his first at-bat.
Aside from a quick rally in the bottom of the fifth, the Red Sox looked lethargic on Tuesday night, which has been a common theme post-trade deadline.
It’s tough to brush over the fact that the inactivity from the front office could be a driving factor in their lackluster play since the deadline. The Red Sox as a team were vocal that they believed they are a good team and just a few pieces away.
Judging by the deadline, the front office felt differently.
Though 49 games seems like a lot, the time is running out for the Red Sox to go on a run, and the Sox have no other option but to rely on the “additions” coming back off injury. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s coming too late.
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Post by Kimmi on Aug 9, 2023 7:12:23 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 54m Brady Singer will be a challenge for the Sox tonight. 3-1, 3.00 in his last 7 starts.
Poor start to his season, much better last two months. Tough guy to barrel up of late.
Pitched 6 scoreless at Fenway last Sept. 17.
Kutter Crawford: 3.68 ERA since going back in the rotation Singer had our number last night. Needless to say, our pitching was not good last night and I'm still terribly frustrated with this offense.
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Post by Kimmi on Aug 9, 2023 7:14:53 GMT -5
Jen McCaffrey @jcmccaffrey · 1h Cora called Boone this morning and had a laugh about Boone’s impression in the ejection. Said he loved his moves, “the hips, that was great”. That was pretty funny. It's also great that Cora called Boone and they had a laugh about it. We don't see enough of these types of ejections anymore.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 11:19:29 GMT -5
Today's Garbage Recycling
Red Sox shaking up pitching staff yet again
By Rob Bradford WEEI 93.7 35 minutes ago
The Red Sox have hardly become a picture of consistency. The most recent example of that reality came Wednesday with another round of moves involving their pitching staff.
As was first reported by MassLive, the Red Sox are designated pitcher Dinelson Lamet for assignment while sending Nick Robertson to Triple-A Worcester. Former major leaguer Kyle Barraclough will replace Lamet on the active and 40-man rosters, with Brandon Walter also being recalled to Boston.
The experiment involving Lamet - who finished fourth in the National League Cy Young voting in 2020 - was short-lived, with the righty giving up three runs on four hits over two innings of relief in his only appearances with the Red Sox, Tuesday night.
Barraclough been dominating with Worcester, going 7-0 with a 2.57 ERA. Prior to his stint with the WooSox the 33-year-old had been pitching for High Point in the Independent Atlantic League.
Barraclough has pitched in 288 major league games, although never appearing as a starter. His best season came in 2016 when he served as one of the National League's most effective relievers, totaling a 2.85 ERA in 75 games.
Robertson - one of the two players coming over to the Red Sox in the trade for Kiké Hernandez - pitched in two games for the Red Sox. Walter last pitched in the majors on July 23, having appeared in six games for the big league club this season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 11:20:55 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1h Churn, churn, churn.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 11:22:43 GMT -5
Matt McCarthy @mattmccarthy985 · 1h Can’t believe they DFA’d this guy. I’m sure he just needed more time.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 13:17:44 GMT -5
Game 115: Royals at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Emma Healy Globe Staff,Updated August 9, 2023, 8:50 a.m. Trevor Story’s return to the big leagues wasn’t all that Red Sox fans could have hoped for. The shortstop went 0 for 4 and struck out swinging three times in Tuesday’s loss to the Royals. Story underwent an elbow procedure that kept the shortstop sidelined since January. His return game, a 9-3 loss to Kansas City, was the second of a four-game series at Fenway Park. In the first game of the series, the Red Sox broke a stretch of seven losses in eight games when they beat the Royals, 6-2, thanks to a walkoff grand slam by Pablo Reyes. But Tuesday’s game was not so glorious. Four pitchers allowed 15 hits against the 37-78 Royals, who have one of the worst records in baseball and have struggled to score all season. The Royals also stole six bases in as many attempts. The 58-55 Sox have now lost 8 of 10 and fell back into last place in the division. Righthander Nick Pivetta will start for the Red Sox. Righthander Jordan Lyles is pitching for Kansas City. Lineups ROYALS (37-78): Maikel Garcia (R) DH Bobby Witt Jr. (R) SS Michael Massey (L) 2B Salvador Perez (R) 1B MJ Melendez (L) LF Freddy Fermin (R) C Drew Waters (S) RF Matt Duffy (R) 3B Kyle Isbel (L) CF Pitching: RHP Jordan Lyles (3-12, 6.24 ERA) RED SOX (58-55): Jarren Duran (L) CF Masataka Yoshida (L) LF Trevor Story (R) DH Rafael Devers (L) 3B Triston Casas (L) 1B Alex Verdugo (L) RF Luis Urias (R) 2B Reese McGuire (L) C Pablo Reyes (R) SS Pitching: RHP Nick Pivetta (7-6, 4.19 ERA) Time: 7:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Royals vs. Pivetta: Matt Beaty 0-1, Kyle Isbel 0-2, Michael Massey 1-5, MJ Melendez 1-5, Edward Olivares 1-3, Salvador Perez 4-12, Drew Waters 2-2, Bobby Witt Jr. 1-6 Red Sox vs. Lyles: Triston Casas 0-0, Rafael Devers 6-17, Adam Duvall 1-6, Reese McGuire 0-5, Rob Refsnyder 3-3, Pablo Reyes 1-2, Trevor Story 3-20, Justin Turner 4-9, Luis Urías 1-2, Alex Verdugo 4-15 Stat of the day: Nick Pivetta is 1-1 with a 6.98 ERA in four career starts against Kansas City and has allowed six home runs in 19 ⅓ innings. Notes: Lyles (3-12, 6.24 ERA) has responded to winning just one of his first 19 outings this season with consecutive victories in his last two starts. He allowed five runs on eight hits in 5 ⅔ innings during his most recent start, a 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night. ... Lyles ended a 15-game winless streak on June 24 when Kansas City recorded a 9-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. That served as his first win since Sept. 30 of last season. ... Lyles is 2-2 with a 7.08 ERA in nine career starts against the Red Sox. He’s walked 19 batters in 40⅔ innings. ... Boston designated Yu Chang for assignment to make room for Story, who played second base for the Red Sox last season. ... Story, 30, hit .238 with 38 extra-base hits (22 doubles, 16 home runs) in 94 games last season. ... Kansas City’s Maikel Garcia extended his hitting streak to 12 games when he singled in the fourth inning Tuesday. Song of the Day: Jesus Jones "Right Here, Right Now" www.youtube.com/watch?v=MznHdJReoeo
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 13:21:01 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 26m Richard Bleier released. He will be a free agent.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 13:45:04 GMT -5
@iancundall Red Sox RHP Garrett Whitlock in Worcester today: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. 46 p/33 s/5 whiffs. Sinker 92-94, CH 82-84, sweeper 78-80. Got better as outing went on, but seemed to be feeling things out & lacked crispness. CH best secondary. Used frequently, 3/5 whiffs with it.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 16:44:19 GMT -5
I think he has been hurting for a while. I also would love him back next year hope the person who replaces Bloom Ball gets it done
Bruised heel is vexing Justin Turner, who expects the effects of the injury to linger By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated August 9, 2023, 1 hour ago
While the Red Sox have started to get some players back from the injured list, they also are dealing with the loss of a lineup mainstay.
Justin Turner suffered a bruised right heel while crossing first base July 31. He sat out the next three games, returned in a reduced state for three games from Saturday through Monday (2 for 10) and on Wednesday was sitting out for a second straight game, with the expectation that he won’t return before the weekend.
While Turner said his heel is improving, he also said that the issue is one that’s likely to linger.
“It’s an interesting one,” he said. “It’s a bone bruise. There’s no real remedy for a bone bruise. You ask a medical person, they’ll tell you 4-6 weeks avoiding impact.
“Obviously I don’t have that luxury. So, trying to calm it down and get it as under control as I can and then try to go again and not piss it off. You don’t really have a lot of options.”
Turner appeared particularly frustrated during Monday’s game (0 for 4, two strikeouts), when he was moving gingerly and unable to get off his A-swing without the ability to plant firmly on his heel. He said his distress was related less to the results of the at-bats than to the cascading effects of his injury.
“When you have something going on, subconsciously, you guard that thing, and in doing that you put other areas at risk,” he said. “I had a little bit of that going on.
“It wasn’t so much just the heel yesterday and today. There was some other [stuff] that was flaring up because of it.
“I’m trying to just be smart. I don’t know what the answer is at this point in the season. The right thing to do versus what you have to do are two different things. You just have to duct tape it and put some WD-40 on it, go out there, and try to help us win games.”
Turner dismissed the idea of going on the injured list. But his absence has been palpable.
He’s hitting .284/.353/.474, and his grinding at-bats as well as his production in pivotal situations have been central elements in making the Sox one of the top offenses in baseball. It is likely not a coincidence that the Sox’ recent offensive funk — 36 runs in their last 11 games — have come at a time when Turner has been unavailable or reduced.
“It’s there right now, but I’m going to do everything I can to get as far away from it as I can, get back in here, and go,” said Turner.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 9, 2023 17:55:14 GMT -5
Why in the hell are they wearing the Yellow jerseys?
and I am gonna give NESN a whirl.
ya got strikes tonight, so I expect to mute the nonsense by the end of the first
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