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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 11:14:15 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1m It appears a lot of folks didn't know today was a 12:05 start at Fenway based on the empty seats.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 17:58:41 GMT -5
Story (4 hits), Duvall (3-run HR) in sync for series win 6:18 PM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- When the Red Sox signed veteran slugger Adam Duvall to a one-year contract on Jan. 24, it was a direct reaction to Trevor Story undergoing right elbow surgery 15 days earlier.
On Sunday, during a hot and steamy afternoon at Fenway Park, the Sox saw the benefits of having both right-handed-hitting run producers in the middle of the lineup.
With Story batting third and Duvall in the five-hole, the duo led the Red Sox to a 6-3 win over the Tigers in the rubber match of a three-game series.
In particular, Story stood out. The shortstop, playing in just his fifth game of the season, put his full skill set on display. Story had a 4-for-4 performance that included three doubles, two runs and two stolen bases.
“Definitely more comfortable,” said Story. “At-bats are much better, and I’m more consistent with the timing. And driving the ball the other way, that’s always a good sign for me. I’m able to catch the breaking balls out front and maybe pull those. Yeah, it’s a great time for me, and I’m definitely happy with the last couple of days.”
At his best, Story has always been good at filling up a box score. He took it to an extreme on Sunday that will go in the annals of Red Sox history. Story joined John Valentin (June 13, 1995) and Dom DiMaggio (April 20, 1941) as the only players in club history to record at least three extra-base hits and two stolen bases in the same game.
“It’s awesome, honestly, having him back on the field,” said Red Sox righty Kutter Crawford, who held the Tigers to two runs over 4 2/3 innings. “We know what he’s capable of. He’s great in the clubhouse. He’s a great teammate. The big goal was to get him back on the field, and I think the rest will take care of itself.”
While Story is a difference-maker in every way on a baseball field, Duvall’s clear strength is his power. And he displayed it with a three-run rocket that soared over the Green Monster and onto Lansdowne Street as part of a four-RBI day.
The homer exited Duvall’s bat at 106.9 mph and traveled a Statcast-projected 403 feet. It was obviously not a Fenway-only homer; per Statcast, it would have gone out of all 30 MLB parks. Your browser does not support HTML5 video tag.
“I didn't watch it too long,” Duvall said, “but it feels good knowing, with that wall at 310 [feet], that it’s going to go. Any time you can get the barrel to it to that side of the field, it's got a chance.”
With the win, the Sox remain three games behind the Blue Jays for the third American League Wild Card spot. Boston is also two games behind the Mariners as the first team outside the final AL Wild Card berth, pending the outcome of Seattle’s game against Baltimore on Sunday.
After years of playing against each other in the National League, Story and Duvall are relishing the chance to play together.
“To be on the same team and just kind of see the impact that he has on the lineup, it's real,” Story said. “And I think up and down our lineup is very dangerous, and [Duvall’s] a huge part of that, and it showed today.”
Duvall’s job as a hitter is easier when the speedy Story is on base, giving the opposing pitcher something else to worry about.
“To get two stolen bases there [in the third] and then I was able to punch one through was nice,” said Duvall, who later had Story trotting home in front of him on his homer. “Having him on, he's a threat on the bases, which is good. He’s just an athlete.”
With Story and Duvall -- who missed two months this season with a left wrist injury -- in the lineup together, the Red Sox have a more formidable attack against lefties, as Eduardo Rodriguez learned the hard way on Sunday. For much of the season, the club’s lineup balance has been titled significantly toward the left.
“It felt good, just from an offensive group, and as a whole, we had a lot of chances with runners on and we were able to cash in there,” said Duvall. “I felt like we were grooving as an offense.”
The Sox will try to stay in that groove as they embark on a three-city road trip in which they will face the Nationals, Yankees and Astros.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:02:36 GMT -5
Red Sox pound Tigers to take series in homestand finale
Published: Aug. 13, 2023, 2:36 p.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — A day after the Red Sox offense was limited to just two runs, the lineup bounced back nicely, bashing out a dozen hits and clubbing the Detroit Tigers, 6-3.
The win enabled the Red Sox to take the series two games to one as they won their second straight series. The Sox finished their homestand with a 5-5 mark, rebounding from a brutal sweep at the hands of Toronto last weekend.
Facing former teammate Eduardo Rodriguez, the Red Sox lineup wasn’t to be deterred. Rodriguez lasted five innings but was charged with all six runs scored by the Sox.
Adam Duvall paced the attack with four RBI. He singled home a run in the third, then belted a three-run homer to left in the fifth. Trevor Story, in his first week back off the IL, enjoyed a four-hit day that included three doubles and a single.
Starter Kutter Crawford gave the Red Sox 4.2 innings, allowing two runs before being lifted an out shy of qualifying for the victory.
The Tigers scratched out a run in the second for the first run of the game, but the Red Sox quickly pulled even when Connor Wong tripled home Triston Casas in the bottom of the inning. A solo shot from Justin Turner — his second homer in as many days — in the third gave the Red Sox the lead for good. Duvall’s sharp single to left plated Story three batters later, and the Red Sox never looked back.
Whitlock returns in style
The game also featured the return of righthander Garrett Whitlock, who was activated from the IL earlier in the day, having missed five weeks with elbow inflammation.
Shifted back to a relief role, Whitlock came on in the top of the sixth and after allowing an unearned run on a double error from second baseman Pablo Reyes, gave the Sox two solid innings, retiring the the final six hitters he faced in succession, including three by strikeout.
Chris Martin handled the eighth and closer Kenley Jansen locked down his 27th save in the ninth. Jansen has converted each one of his last 18 save opportunities.
On the road again
Following the conclusion of their 10-game homestand, the Red Sox will now head out on the road for a 10-game road trip with three-game series set for Washington and New York before a four-game set in Houston to wrap it up.. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
First, the Red Sox will enjoy a day off in Washington before their series with the Nationals gets underway Tuesday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:04:11 GMT -5
Trevor Story’s comeback takes big step forward with four-hit, two-steal game
Published: Aug. 13, 2023, 3:52 p.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — When Trevor Story was activated Tuesday, his return came with the clear understanding that a return to form would take some time. Expectations should be held in check initially, went the thinking, and that much was confirmed when Story fanned three time in four plate appearances in his season debut that night.
But six days later, Story appeared to be very much back at the height of his game. In the Red Sox’s 6-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers Sunday, Story banged out four hits — including three doubles — and also contributed two stolen bases.
Story doubled to right in the first, reached on an infield single and scored in the third, doubled on a flyball to left in the fifth and doubled again, this time to center, in the sixth.
“There’s a process and there’s adjustments,” said Alex Cora. “He put some good swings today on fastballs. Even the off-speed pitches that he swung and missed on, there was conviction behind those. It was a good one. And he’s a force running the bases.”
The four hits by Story eclipsed his total from the first four games he had played before Sunday, and there was a sense that this game could serve as a bit of a springboard for him.
“I’m definitely more comfortable,” said Story. “The at-bats are much better and I’m more consistent with the timing, so obviously, I’m going to see the ball a little better. I’m feeling really good with that, and just trying not to do too much — just hit line drives.”
Another encouraging aspect was the fact that each of Story’s doubles went to different parts of the ballpark — one to left, one to center and one to right.
“If I’m driving the ball the other way, that’s always a good sign for me,” said Story. “And if I’m able to catch some breaking balls out front and maybe pull those, that’s good, too. I’m definitely happy with the last couple of days.”
Story can be a solid defender at short for the Red Sox and an above-average offensive contributor, but an underrated part of his game is his baserunning,. Last year, he was a perfect 17-for-17 in stolen bases, and this year, he’s already added three more steals, including two in the matter of minutes in the third inning, helping to lead to a run.
“That’s a big part of my game that I kind of missed doing that stuff,” said Story. “Honestly, watching (Jarren) Duran this year (with a team-high 23 steals)...I’ve always been inspired to do it, but honestly just watching him change the game and just wreak havoc on the defense, it was a big goal of mine, when I came back, to hit the ground running and try to catch up with him.”
As rewarding as Sunday was personally, Story isn’t taking anything for granted. He knows there will be some predictable ups and downs as he gets closer to again being an everyday player.
“Every single day in the big leagues is (a process),” he said. “I understand that I missed a lot of time. There’s not much time for grace when it comes to coming here and playing and being right in the middle of a playoff race. Obviously, the results for the first couple of games weren’t very good. But understanding that the process was right, it just takes a little time.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:05:37 GMT -5
Garrett Whitlock, fresh off IL, wastes no time in contributing in old role
Published: Aug. 13, 2023, 4:24 p.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — Everything old was new again for Garrett Whitlock Sunday.
Following his third Injured List stay of the season, Whitlock didn’t have to wait long to make a contribution to the Red Sox. Mere hours after being activated, Whitlock was called up in the sixth inning and promptly delivered two strong innings in relief.
Whitlock has begun the season as a member of the starting rotation, but following five weeks on the sidelines with elbow inflammation, the Red Sox thought it best for him to pitch out of the bullpen.
It was his first relief appearance since last Sept. 16 before he was shut down with a season-ending hip injury. But for Whitlock, the transition back to the bullpen was a smooth one.
“Like riding a bike,” shrugged Whitlock after the Red Sox beat the Detroit Tigers, 6-3. “I said it before I came back - I’m just looking to contribute any way I can.”
Matt Vierling, the first batter he faced, reached second on a double-error by second baseman Pablo Reyes, and would eventually come around to score an unearned run. But the rest of Whitlock’s outing was flawless as he retired the next six hitters he faced in succession, three of them by strikeout.
“It felt good,” said Whitlock in assessing his outing. “Command could have been a little better, but the stuff felt good.”
It’s been a frustrating season for Whitlock. The start of his season was delayed briefly as he recovered from hip surgery. Then, he had two additional trips to the IL with elbow soreness. Watching from afar, and rehabbing in the minors, has been difficult.
“Anytime you’re out, I feel like it’s going to take a mental toll on you,” said Whitlock. “So I’ve just always tried to stay positive and just take it one day at a time.”
Whitlock returns at a time when the Red Sox pitching staff is finally operating at full health. Chris Sale returned Friday night following a 10-week absence, followed two days later by Whitlock. Still to come: Tanner Houck, who is expected to rejoin the team in about a week.
With six weeks left in the season, it’s go-time.
“Having Chris Sale in any form is a huge boost and you all saw what he did (Friday) and that’s always freaking awesome,” said Whitlock. “And shoot, Tanner looked fantastic in his last rehab outing and it’s always good to have that. So it’s good to have the gang back together.”
“He was good,” said Alex Cora of Whitlock’s return. “Throwing strikes. The ability to hit the outside part of the plate against righties over and over and over again is really good. You saw it - two innings today, (which) helped (Josh Winckowski and John Schreiber get some rest).
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:09:59 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 4h The Red Sox finish this homestand in much better shape than they were after getting swept by the Jays a week ago. After a 6-3 win over Tigers, it is on to Washington, New York and Houston for a 10-game road trip. Mookie and J.D. will be here for next home game on Aug. 25.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:11:10 GMT -5
Lou Merloni @loumerloni · 3h When Houck joins this staff, it’s going to be the best 13 man staff this team has had since 2018. Maybe deeper than that one. No clue if it will be enough. They need to swing it but more importantly catch the ball better. C U in Washington!!
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:12:42 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 4h Sox have a day off, then at Washington face RH LH LH starters. I wonder if Yoshida could get an extended break.
3 grounders today. Last 20 games, 41 of 66 batted balls on the ground (62%), hard hit rate under 40%, and an OPS under .600.
After Washington, schedule turns brutal.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:15:51 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 3h John Schreiber, who grew up in Michigan rooting for the Tigers, was one of the Sox players who requested a signed jersey from Miguel Cabrera.
Other are getting bats or balls. Cabrera had a stack of stuff to get to.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 13, 2023 18:18:25 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall has his sights set on consistency at the plate By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated August 13, 2023, 48 minutes ago
Adam Duvall cuts off more than half the field when he’s at the plate. He never really pays attention to the right side. Not even straightaway center. He knows success comes when he’s pulling the ball.
Imagine a batter’s eye in center field, he explained. He doesn’t want to live line to line.
“My right field foul pole, my field, is almost the right side of the batter’s eye,” he said.
When Duvall was hot during an eight-game stretch to begin the season, batting .455 with four homers, he racked up five hard-hit balls to the left side, per Baseball Savant. Duvall then suffered a wrist fracture that kept him out until June 9. In his first 44 games back, Duvall had just eight hard-hit balls to the left side, batting .194 in that span.
However, following Sunday’s 6-3 series-clinching victory over the Tigers, maybe Duvall is getting his sights back in order.
Both of his hits went to left field.
Duvall went 2 for 4 with a sharply-hit RBI single in the third, and a towering three-run homer in the fifth that left Duvall’s bat at 106.9 miles per hour against Detroit starter Eduardo Rodriguez. On Thursday against the Royals, Duvall made quality contact on three pitches, most notably a single off the Green Monster that traveled at 109.9 m.p.h.
“When the contact point is right, and my swing is right, it’s just consistently hitting the ball from left-center field to left,” he said. Rodriguez’s season could be over
There’s a strong chance Red Sox reliever Joely Rodriguez is done for the season.
The team placed Rodriguez on the injured list with a right hip strain at the end of July while the team was in San Francisco for its series against the Giants, marking his third trip to the IL. The Red Sox were optimistic that Rodriguez would be reinstated after 15 days, but he endured a setback during a recent bullpen, leaving the rest of the season in question.
The Red Sox signed Rodriguez to a one-year deal during the offseason with the hope that he could help bolster a bullpen that was in need of lefthanders. But Rodriguez’s injury-plagued season halted those plans as he appeared in just 11 games, posting a 6.55 ERA.
“Sometimes it’s playing catch up to try to get back as soon as possible,” manager Alex Cora said regarding Rodriguez’s setbacks. “The way he was throwing the ball, we felt really, really good where he was. The velocity was going up and the separation between the fastball and the changeup, you could see it on the swing. But now we just have to make sure we get him right and see where it takes us.” Story double the trouble
Trevor Story put on a show Sunday afternoon, going 4 for 4 with three doubles. He also stole two bases and displayed his ability at shortstop.
“He was good,” said Cora. “It’s a process. There are adjustments, and he put some good swings today on the fastballs. Even the offspeed pitches where he swung and missed, there was conviction behind it. He’s a force on the bases. Not too many people take off against Eduardo because he’s so quick to the plate.”
With Story getting his legs under him, you can expect to see more of him at the position. The Red Sox have brought Story along gradually since he was reinstated from the injured list last week, playing him every other game in the field and using him as the designated hitter. The Red Sox are off Monday before their series against the Nationals. Cora said Story will play at shortstop Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a day off. The team heads to New York to play the Yankees, with Story likely to play Friday and Sunday.
The Red Sox will complete their road trip with a four-game set against the Astros, and that’s when Story should be in a position to play shortstop every day.
“It’s fun, man. I miss playing over there,” said Story, who played second base last year with Xander Bogaerts at shortstop. “It feels like home for me.” Fitting tribute
Red Sox fans treated Miguel Cabrera to a tribute Sunday during the top of the ninth inning with a standing ovation in his final career at-bat at Fenway. Cabrera, who is set to retire at the end of the year, tipped his cap to the crowd while home plate umpire Mike Muchlinski stepped out from behind the plate, allowing Cabrera to have his moment without enforcing a pitch-clock penalty.
“That was great,” Cora said. “These [Fenway fans] they get it. They understand the history of the game.” Coming up next
The Red Sox starter for Tuesday’s opener against the Nationals is still to be determined. But Cora said Nick Pivetta will play a part in some form. The Sox will have James Paxton and Chris Sale ready to go Wednesday and Thursday … Houck is set to pitch what should be his final rehab appearance at Triple A Worcester. He will likely join the club in Houston … The Red Sox honored some longtime employees before Sunday’s game. Among them were press box steward Kevin Doyle, who has been with the club for 25 years. Jack McCormick, now in alumni relations after a long tenure as traveling secretary, was recognized for 30 years. John Riordan threw out the first pitch. He has been with the team for 45 years and hasn’t missed an event in the last 40. Riordan works in the Ford Clubhouse … Wilyer Abreu blasted three homers in Worcester’s 13-4 home win over Buffalo on Sunday, becoming the first WooSox player to hit three home runs in a contest. Bobby Dalbec crushed two homers, bringing him to 30 on the year.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Aug 13, 2023 22:24:14 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 5m Miguel Cabrera in the lineup for what would be his 45th career game at Fenway going back to 2003. (Plus 3 in the 2013 postseason).
Career .271/.371/.440 hitter at Fenway.
Miggy has 3,145 hits and 508 HRs. Only Aaron, Mays and Pujols have hit those marks. Quite a career. I remember Miggy hitting a HR off of us that bounced off the top of the RF wall and into the stands. Pumpsie blamed Tito saying the Betts should've been playing on the warning track.
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Post by scrappyunderdog on Aug 13, 2023 22:32:10 GMT -5
Lou Merloni @loumerloni · 3h When Houck joins this staff, it’s going to be the best 13 man staff this team has had since 2018. Maybe deeper than that one. No clue if it will be enough. They need to swing it but more importantly catch the ball better. C U in Washington!! I always thought that the best use of my talent would be to simply lock me in a closet, and once a month I slide a financial statement out under the door. I feel the same way about Lou. Lou should have -0- responsibilities in life except to make daily comments about the RS. Anyway, tiny sample size, but this team looks different with Sale, Story & Whitlock back (and no, I know I am begging for a "Captain Obvious" response).
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Post by Kimmi on Aug 14, 2023 6:43:44 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 23m Whitlock activated. Barraclough optioned. How nice to be getting our pieces back. Whitlock looked good, Sale looked good in his return, and Story is starting to really drive the ball.
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Post by Kimmi on Aug 14, 2023 6:46:05 GMT -5
This really ticked me off. I couldn't watch the game until it was archived on Extra Innings at about 5:00. Not really a big deal having to do that, but it's the principal of the thing. I pay good money for Extra Innings. I shouldn't have to pay more for a streaming service to catch some of the games.
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Post by Kimmi on Aug 14, 2023 6:48:02 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 5m Miguel Cabrera in the lineup for what would be his 45th career game at Fenway going back to 2003. (Plus 3 in the 2013 postseason).
Career .271/.371/.440 hitter at Fenway.
Miggy has 3,145 hits and 508 HRs. Only Aaron, Mays and Pujols have hit those marks. Quite a career. It was nice seeing Miggy in his last game at Fenway. It must be a thrill for the guys in their 20s to be able to play with or against him. Another great career coming to a close. I wish him the best.
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