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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 21, 2023 17:05:25 GMT -5
Smelly Sox vs Stinky Sox
Friday, 22nd September 2023
7pm @ Fenway
Toussaint 0-1/ 4.91
Sale 6-4/ 4.66
Chris Sale faces former club as Red Sox meet White Sox
FLM
Teams trending in all the wrong directions will meet Friday night when the visiting Chicago White Sox open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox (75-78) have lost six of their last seven games and 12 of their last 15. They're in last place in the American League East and three games below .500 for the first time since the second week of the season.
The White Sox (58-95) have lost nine of their last 12 games and are 37 games below the .500 mark for the first time since 2018.
Both teams are coming off lopsided losses Wednesday. Boston allowed a season-high run total in a 15-5 setback against Texas, while Washington beat Chicago 13-3.
Boston's Brayan Bello allowed eight runs in three innings during Wednesday's loss. It was the most runs a Red Sox starting pitcher has given up in a game this season.
"Not a good one," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "They put some good swings on pitches in the zone, the command was off, and it's one of those that we have to turn the page and be ready for the next one.
"That's a team that, similar to Toronto, Houston, the Dodgers, it's a fast-break offense, and when they get going it's hard to stop. And we weren't able to do that (Wednesday)."
Boston committed its 100th error of the season Wednesday when Rafael Devers made a fielding miscue in the fifth inning. Red Sox second baseman Luis Urias left the game with calf tightness after beating out an infield single in the seventh inning.
The White Sox surrendered 14 hits in Wednesday's loss, which dropped the team's road record to 28-50. The Nationals scored in six of the eight innings they came to the plate.
"We didn't pitch very well, and we didn't hit," White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. "Nine free passes (seven walks and two hit batters), a couple errors. There's not much to really talk about in this game."
Left-hander Chris Sale (6-4, 4.66 ERA) is scheduled to start on the mound for Boston on Friday against his former club. Righthander Touki Toussaint (4-7, 5.40) is Chicago's probable starter.
Toussaint is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in his career against the Red Sox. His only start against Boston came in 2018 when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves.
Toussaint struck out eight in five innings during Saturday's 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Sale spent six seasons with the White Sox before he was traded to the Red Sox in 2016 for Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz. He's 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against his former team. He recorded 39 strikeouts in 25 innings during those four starts.
Sale had a no-decision in his last start, that ended in the Red Sox's 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. He allowed a run on two hits and walked two in six-plus innings, with 10 strikeouts. Sale has given up two runs or fewer in seven of his last 11 starts.
"Obviously, we're in a tough situation," Sale said. "At least we can go out there and play for pride, and I'm not going to give up. We're not going to cash it in."
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 21, 2023 17:06:28 GMT -5
Here’s the schedule (along with pitching probables):
Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET — RHP Touki Toussaint (4-7, 5.40 ERA) vs. LHP Chris Sale (6-4, 4.66 ERA)
Saturday, 4:10 p.m. ET — RHP Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.85 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48 ERA)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. ET — RHP Mike Clevinger (8-8, 3.42 ERA) vs. RHP Kutter Crawford (6-7, 4.19 ERA)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 22, 2023 14:41:37 GMT -5
Tim Anderson (R) SS
Yoan Moncada (S) 3B
Luis Robert Jr. (R) CF
Eloy Jimenez (R) DH
Andrew Vaughn (R) 1B
Elvis Andrus (R) 2B
Trayce Thompson (R) RF
Zach Remillard (R) LF
Korey Lee (R) C
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) 2B
Rafael Devers (L) 3B
Justin Turner (R) DH
Alex Verdugo (L) RF
Adam Duvall (R) CF
Masataka Yoshida (L) LF
Trevor Story (R) SS
Bobby Dalbec (R) 1B
Connor Wong (R) C
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 22, 2023 17:08:33 GMT -5
Red Sox placed Urias on the 10 day DL ( left calf strain, retro'd to Sept 21)
Emmanuel Valdez called up
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 5:31:09 GMT -5
Yoshida hits go-ahead single in 8th as Red Sox rally past White Sox 3-2
AP
BOSTON (AP) Masataka Yoshida hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning after Adam Duvall's sacrifice fly, and the Boston Red Sox rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
Playing their first game after being eliminated from postseason contention, the Red Sox (76-78) won for just the second time in eight games.
Looking to avoid just their second 100-loss season in 53 years, the White Sox (58-96) lost for the 10th time in their last 13 games.
Red Sox starter Chris Sale went five scoreless innings, striking out seven while allowing just three singles and a walk against his former team where he was a five-time All-Star from 2010-16.
“Command was kind of in and out at times, but I made some pitches when I needed to,” said Sale, who missed two months with left shoulder inflammation from early June to August.
“I want to, obviously, do as well as I can every time, but I want to finish the year strong and go into the offseason good, and have a normal good offseason and build up for spring training.”
Chicago right-hander Touki Toussaint, who was claimed off waivers after he was designated for assignment by Cleveland on June 17, gave up a run on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 6 1/3 innings.
“It felt good to be able to do that, hopefully I can continue to be able to do that,” he said. “You want to finish the season strong. That's the goal for everyone.”
Trevor Story had three hits and rookie Ceddanne Rafaela also had a fifth inning sacrifice fly for Boston.
Duvall’s bases-loaded sacrifice came against Garrett Crochet (0-2) before Yoshida sent his grounder between first and second for the tie-breaking run.
Mauricio Llovera (2-3) worked a scoreless inning for the victory and Chris Martin got the final three outs for his third save.
“I just try to go out and prepare every single day,” said Martin, who hasn't allowed a run in a career-best 20 straight appearances. “I'm not really thinking about the numbers and all that.”
Trailing 1-0 in the sixth, Chicago scored twice against reliever Garrett Whitlock. Luis Robert Jr. singled, stole second and third before scoring on Andrew Vaughn’s single. Trayce Thompson delivered a go-ahead RBI double to left-center field gap.
LOWLY 100s
The White Sox lost 100 games in 2018, 1970, 1948 and 1932.
BARBIE NIGHT SELLOUT
The Red Sox promotion honored a hit movie of the summer. There was a pink party before the game on the right-field upper deck with T-shirts for fans that purchased special tickets. On its website, the club also called the stadium (Ken)way Park.
The sold-out attendance was 37,102.
TRAINER’S ROOM
White Sox: Placed RHP Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list after he underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his right knee. The team said he’s expected to recover in six to eight weeks. The 27-year-old finished the season with a 5-12 record and a 5.43 ERA in 30 games, making 27 starts.
Red Sox: Placed IF Luis Urias on the 10-day IL with a strained left calf. … RHP Kenley Jansen (Covid-19 list) was in the clubhouse and is expected to be activated Saturday.
UP NEXT
RHP Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.85 ERA) is scheduled to start for the White Sox in the middle game of the three-game set weather permitting. RHP Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48) is set to go for the Red Sox.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 5:50:25 GMT -5
Boston's opener win a tale of two Chrises
Sale strikes out 7 over 5 scoreless, Martin gets save in 20th straight scoreless outing
1:37 AM ADT
Ian Browne
Ian Browne
@ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- For the Red Sox, Friday night’s 3-2 win over the White Sox at Fenway Park was mostly about the Chris who started the game and the Chris who closed it out.
For Chris Sale, it is all about building momentum for a “normal” offseason, something he’s had too few of in recent years.
For Chris Martin, it was about staying on a scintillating run of dominance that has essentially lasted the entire season but has really picked up steam in recent weeks.
Over five scoreless innings, Sale allowed three hits and a walk while striking out seven.
Meanwhile, Martin got the save while turning in his 20th consecutive scoreless outing and lowering his ERA to a miniscule 1.05. For pitchers who have logged at least 30 innings this season, that ERA is the best in MLB.
“Just try to go out and prepare the same way every single day,” Martin said. “I’m not really thinking about all the numbers and all that kind of stuff. Just go out and try to win the game, basically, is what I'm trying to do.”
As for Sale, the lanky lefty has allowed five hits and one run over 11 innings while walking three and striking out 17 over his past two starts. In Sale’s prime, he’d put together back-to-back starts like that with regularity and pile a few more on top of those two.
But at this stage, Sale’s main concern is his health. After missing two months in the middle of the season with a stress reaction in his left shoulder, it took Sale a while to look like himself again. Slowly but surely, it is finally starting to happen.
“To finish healthy, I think, is more important,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “As of now he’ll make his next one. But I think going into the offseason healthy is important, because then your offseason is a regular one. It’s about working out, working on your pitches and all that stuff. You don’t have to worry about rehab. That’s what we want. So far, everything has been good. He’s bouncing back from outings the right way. One more [start] and be ready for next year.”
The one thing different about Sale’s start on Friday than the one last weekend in Toronto was velocity. Against the Jays, Sale averaged just 91.4 mph with his heater, well below his season average of 94 mph.
His first two pitches against the White Sox were 93 mph, and his final heater of the night seared in at 95.9.
“It’s just one of those things of building up,” Sale said. “Had some things to take care of over the last few weeks. Obviously, it’s been a step in the right direction last week and with this one too, so just try to maintain that and keep putting up zeros.”
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Martin has become Mr. Zero for the Red Sox. Scoring against him is a true achievement for the opposition in that it has only happened five times in the righty’s 55 appearances.
“He makes quality pitches,” said Cora. “It’s not about throwing strikes, it’s quality strikes. He can go anywhere in the strike zone. He changes speeds.”
In 37 outings since June 9, Martin has allowed one run.
“It’s been unbelievable,” said Sale. “I don't want to say too much, because we're still rolling with [his streak]. He’s done a hell of a job for us, as consistent as you could possibly be. What’s better than to have someone like that in the back of your bullpen?”
The latest 1-2-3 performance by Martin started when he showed quick reflexes by ranging to the first-base side of the mound to snare a lineout by Elvis Andrus.
“Yeah, me and Elvis, we played together and I know what he’s trying to do there with two strikes. He’s trying to get a base hit,” said Martin. “I went cutter down and away there. I was kind of ready for it. I was hoping he would swing and miss, but I was ready for him to try to shoot it through that hole over there and he didn’t get it quite far enough over.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 5:52:00 GMT -5
Red Sox injury update: Luis Urias placed on IL with left calf strain
Published: Sep. 22, 2023, 8:38 p.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — Luis Urias had the opportunity to show the Red Sox what he could do at second base when the club acquired him from Milwaukee at the trade deadline.
But now, with only 10 days remaining in the 2023 regular season, he has likely played his last game of the year for them.
The Red Sox placed the 26-year-old Urias on the Injured List Friday with a strained left calf, retroactive to Thursday. That would make him eligible for the final day of the season, Oct. 1 in Baltimore, but there’s no guarantee he will play then.
To take Urias’s spot on the active roster, the Red Sox recalled Enmanuel Valdez from Worcester.
In 32 games with the Sox, Urias had a slash line of .225/.361/.337 with two homers and 13 RBI.
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“He felt in the last game (in Texas),” said Alex Cora of Urias and the calf injury. “It was tight and he felt something. It’s nothing serious, but we didn’t think he was going to be available for the next four or five days and it doesn’t make sense to push him. So we put him on the IL.”
The numbers put up by Urias were hardly stellar, but he made a good impression on Cora in the seven or so weeks he’s been with the Red Sox.
“He controls the strike zone. He’s a good at-bat,’' said Cora. “I do believe that the injury (he suffered) on Opening Day (while with the Brewers) put him in a bad spot, bad habits offensively. But you could see, the more he played, the at-bats were better. Defensively, great first step, great arm, good hands turning the double play. A little more urgency going to the ball will benefit him, but you can see why he was a good big leaguer with the Brewers a few years ago.
“Let’s see what the future holds. Overall, I know that the average wasn’t there. You look at the on-base percentage, that’s something we talk about: you control the strike zone, you’re going to be OK.”
The Red Sox have no obvious candidate to be their everyday second baseman for 2024, though there’s plenty of time to address that this offseason.
In the meantime, Urias, whom the Red Sox control for another two seasons, could be in contention, along with Pablo Reyes, Valdez, and potentially, David Hamilton.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 5:53:18 GMT -5
Chris Sale sharp against former team as Red Sox open final homestand with win
Updated: Sep. 22, 2023, 10:45 p.m.|Published: Sep. 22, 2023, 9:55 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON — Chris Sale held up his end of the bargain for the Red Sox against his former team Friday night. His offense did not — until late.
Boston pieced together an eighth-inning rally and Masataka Yoshida hit a go-ahead RBI single as the Red Sox opened their final homestand of the season with the 3-2 win over the White Sox in a battle of out-of-contention teams. Sale, fresh off a 10-strikeout performance in Toronto on Saturday, held the White Sox to just three hits over five scoreless innings and struck out seven. The Red Sox climbed back to two games below .500 at 76-78.
Chicago held a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth before handing the lead back to the home team. After Bryan Shaw hit Ceddanne Rafaela with a pitch to start the inning, Rafael Devers singled off Garrett Crochet and Alex Verdugo worked a one-out walk before Adam Duvall tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Four pitches later, Yoshida drove a Crochet slider into right field to plate Devers and give the Red Sox the lead. Chris Martin shut things down in the ninth inning, tossing a perfect frame. He has a 1.05 ERA on the season.
For most of the night, Boston’s offense was stymied by journeyman Touki Toussaint, who tossed 6 ⅓ effective innings for the ChiSox. The Red Sox did get on the board first in the fifth, when Trevor Story and Bobby Dalbec hit back-to-back singles and got into scoring position on a Connor Wong sacrifice bunt. The small ball continued when Ceddanne Rafaela plated Story with a sacrifice fly to center.
Sale left after throwing 90 pitches, handing the keys over to Whitlock for the sixth. Whitlock struck out former Boston prospect Yoan Moncada, then allowed a single to Luis Robert Jr. (who stole two bases) and walked Eloy Jimenez to put runners on the corners for Andrew Vaughn. Vaughn tied the game with an RBI single on a grounder Rafael Devers couldn’t corral at third base. With two outs, Trayce Thompson put Chicago ahead for good with an RBI double to center.
Trevor Story (3-for-4, R) led the way for the Red Sox with three hits, marking his third three-hit game of the season. Devers had two hits and is hitting .364 in his last 11 games.
The Red Sox improved to 18-23 in one-run games and back above .500 at home (39-38). The comeback win was their 40th of the season.
Pivetta gets Saturday (weather-permitting)
On what should be a very rainy day in Boston, righty Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48 ERA) is scheduled to get the start for the Red Sox opposite righty Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.85 ERA) in the second of three games between two out-of-contention teams. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.
The Red Sox, who are off Monday, have four home games left this season (and eight overall).
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 6:02:42 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Brian O’Halloran accepts position as Red Sox executive VP of baseball operations
By Alex Speier and Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated September 22, 2023, 11:18 a.m.
Just over a week after the shakeup of the Red Sox baseball operations department, former general manager Brian O’Halloran has agreed to stay with the team in a new role. O’Halloran accepted a senior leadership position as executive vice president of baseball operations. He’ll report to the new leaderof the baseball operations department (whenever the Sox make a hire), with his exact role to be determined.
O’Halloran has been with the Red Sox for 22 seasons, having joined the team as an unpaid volunteer charting video during graveyard shifts in 2002 before being hired as a baseball operations assistant at the end of that year. His responsibilities steadily grew thereafter, leading to his appointment as GM when chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom was hired in October 2019.
When the Sox fired Bloom last week they also announced that O’Halloran would no longer serve as GM but would be offered another senior position in baseball operations and asked to aid the team during its transition period while searching for a new head of the department. O’Halloran has now accepted a role that will have him assisting that person upon his or her hiring.
While a definitive answer has yet to be made, it doesn’t appear as though Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela will play winter ball. Manager Alex Cora cited rest and recovery as the reason, noting that Rafaela, who played winter ball last year, has racked up a lot of mileage on the diamond.
“Honestly, I think for him, it’s more about the physical part,” Cora said. “I think, physically, he’ll benefit from having a regular offseason. He’s made some strides offensively this year. He’s played a lot, too. You add that to what he did last year, winter ball, and obviously this season, at one point you have to reset and physically. If he gets stronger, I think it will benefit him.”
Adding strength will be a point of emphasis for the 23-year-old, who is listed at 5 feet 9 inches and 165 pounds.
Rafaela played second base in Friday’s 3-2 win over the White Sox and was 0 for 2, but with a sacrifice fly and a run scored after being hit by a pitch. He is hitting .295/.323/.475 with two homers through 61 big league at-bats.
“There’s still work to do,” Cora said. “This is a league that will expose you, you know, and we have to be very careful with the fact that he’s here. He’s been able to play against tough competition this whole month, right? I think it only benefits him.
“We’ll attack the offseason right away. We’ll give him a plan and he’s very disciplined with that. So I’m looking forward to seeing him in spring training and seeing where it takes us.”
Rafaela will enter next spring vying for a roster spot, with Cora calling him a game changer in center field.
Urías on injured list with calf strain
Leading off the injury updates, Luis Urías was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain. Fellow infielder Enmanuel Valdez was recalled from Triple A Worcester to fill the open roster spot.
Urías, a trade deadline acquisition, hit .225/.361/.337 with two homers and a .698 OPS for the Sox. Despite the lack of results, Cora said the infielder still showed some promising tools, including his ability to put together quality at-bats.
Wilyer Abreu (hand bruise) took some swings but it doesn’t sound as though the outfielder will play Saturday. Abreu is still dealing with some pain at the point of contact.
Triston Casas (right shoulder bursitis) met with doctors. The first baseman will undergo regular treatment and is shut down for the remainder of the season.
Either closer Kenley Jansen (COVID-19) or reliever Zack Kelly (elbow) will be activated for Saturday’s game. Not both.
Triple A Worcester infielder David Hamilton underwent a successful left thumb UCL repair Thursday.
AFL rosters set and Mayer not included
The Arizona Fall League announced rosters for the 2023 season. The contingent of Red Sox minor leaguers heading to the Glendale Desert Dogs will include pitchers Bryan Mata, Felix Cepeda, Wyatt Olds, Zach Penrod, and Christopher Troye, as well as catcher Nathan Hickey, infielder Brainer Bonaci, and outfielder Corey Rosier.
The team will be managed by Iggy Suarez, the Sox’ manager for High A Greenville.
A notable omission from the Red Sox’ contingent is shortstop Marcelo Mayer, who continues to rehab in Fort Myers from an impingement in his left shoulder. Though Mayer is not on the initial Glendale roster, he’s making progress in his rehab and has resumed baseball activities, including swinging.
The Sox haven’t ruled out sending Mayer to Arizona if they determine an assignment to the league will serve both his health and development.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 6:09:25 GMT -5
White Sox bring 3-game losing streak into matchup against the Red Sox
ByData Skrive
Sep 23, 2023, 05:41 am
Chicago White Sox (58-96, fourth in the AL Central) vs. Boston Red Sox (76-78, fifth in the AL East)
Boston; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: White Sox: Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.91 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 196 strikeouts); Red Sox: Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 166 strikeouts)
: Red Sox -149, White Sox +126; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago White Sox aim to end their three-game skid with a victory against the Boston Red Sox.
Boston is 39-38 in home games and 76-78 overall. The Red Sox rank ninth in the AL with 178 total home runs, averaging 1.2 per game.
Chicago is 58-96 overall and 28-51 in road games. The White Sox have gone 43-16 in games when they scored at least five runs.
The teams meet Saturday for the fifth time this season. The season series is tied 2-2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Rafael Devers has 34 doubles, 33 home runs and 98 RBI for the Red Sox. Ceddanne Rafaela is 10-for-40 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBI over the last 10 games.
Luis Robert leads the White Sox with 74 extra base hits (36 doubles, a triple and 37 home runs). Eloy Jimenez is 11-for-41 with two doubles, two home runs and three RBI over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Red Sox: 3-7, .223 batting average, 4.37 ERA, outscored by 15 runs
White Sox: 2-8, .240 batting average, 6.31 ERA, outscored by 33 runs
INJURIES: Red Sox: Luis Urias: 10-Day IL (calf), Triston Casas: 10-Day IL (shouder), Kenley Jansen: 7-Day IL (covid-19), James Paxton: 15-Day IL (knee), Jarren Duran: 60-Day IL (toe), Corey Kluber: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Joely Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (hip), Kaleb Ort: 60-Day IL (elbow), Zack Kelly: 60-Day IL (elbow), Wyatt Mills: 60-Day IL (elbow), Adalberto Mondesi: 60-Day IL (knee)
White Sox: Michael Kopech: 15-Day IL (knee), Gregory Santos: 15-Day IL (elbow), Declan Cronin: 15-Day IL (hand), Jimmy Lambert: 15-Day IL (ankle), Liam Hendriks: 60-Day IL (elbow), Romy Gonzalez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Matt Foster: 60-Day IL (forearm)
White Sox
at
Red Sox
Saturday, at 4:10 PM EST
Rainy
It's expected to be 60° F with a 68% chance of rain and 11 MPH wind blowing in in Boston at 4:10 PM EST.
Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 10:47:04 GMT -5
Game 155: White Sox at Red Sox lineups and notesBy Amin Touri Globe Staff,Updated September 23, 2023, 1 hour ago As the Red Sox claw back toward .500 — and toward the Yankees to stay out of the division basement — they can claim the penultimate home series of the season with a win over the White Sox Saturday. Nick Pivetta is back in the starting rotation as the season winds down, and will take the ball Saturday afternoon. Pivetta has a 2.22 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against the White Sox. Chicago will turn to Dylan Cease, who has struggled against the Red Sox; the righthander has a 9.98 ERA in four starts against Boston, allowing 17 earned runs in 15 ⅓ innings. Saturday’s game is likely to be threatened by rain, with inclement weather in the forecast throughout the afternoon. Lineups WHITE SOX (58-96): Tim Anderson (R) SS Andrew Benintendi (L) LF Luis Robert Jr. (R) CF Eloy Jimenez (R) DH Yoan Moncada (S) 3B Andrew Vaughn (R) 1B Gavin Sheets (L) RF Lenyn Sosa (R) 2B Korey Lee (R) C Pitching: RHP Dylan Cease (7-8, 4.85 ERA) RED SOX (76-78): Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF Rafael Devers (L) 3B Justin Turner (R) DH Alex Verdugo (L) RF Masataka Yoshida (L) LF Trevor Story (R) SS Enmanuel Valdez (L) 2B Bobby Dalbec (R) 1B Reese McGuire (L) C Pitching: RHP Nick Pivetta (9-9, 4.48 ERA) Time: 4:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 White Sox vs. Pivetta: Tim Anderson 4-10, Elvis Andrus 1-11, Andrew Benintendi 0-6, Yasmani Grandal 2-10, Eloy Jiménez 0-3, Yoán Moncada 1-6, Luis Robert Jr. 2-8, Gavin Sheets 0-7, Andrew Vaughn 1-3 Red Sox vs. Cease: Bobby Dalbec 1-2, Rafael Devers 3-6, Trevor Story 1-4, Justin Turner 0-2, Alex Verdugo 1-8 Stat of the day: Sox starting pitchers have allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of the last 11 games. Notes: Pivetta is 0-2 with a 4.41 ERA in 16 ⅓ innings since he rejoined the rotation earlier this month. He allowed two runs on four hits and struck out six in 6 ⅓ innings during Boston’s 3-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday ... The Red Sox earned their 40th comeback win of the season on Friday ... After shutting down rookie reliever Gregory Santos (right elbow inflammation) for the remainder of the season on Wednesday, the White Sox lost former Boston prospect Michael Kopech (knee surgery) for the year two days later ... Cease is set to make his 96th start since the beginning of the 2021 season ... The White Sox (58-96) have lost 10 of their past 13 games and 15 of their past 20. Song of the Day: INXS - Mediate www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr-Vfnd7Yno
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 23, 2023 13:00:04 GMT -5
RED SOX REINSTATE RIGHT-HANDED PITCHER KENLEY JANSEN FROM COVID-19 RELATED INJURED LIST
Club Options Right-Handed Pitcher Zack Weiss to Triple-A Worcester
1:21 PM GMT-3
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BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today reinstated right-handed pitcher Kenley Jansen from the COVID-19 Related Injured List. To make room on the active roster, the club optioned right-handed pitcher Zack Weiss to Triple-A Worcester following last night’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
Jansen, 35, has posted a 3.63 ERA (18 ER/44.1 IP) in 51 appearances this season, ranking sixth in the American League with 29 saves. The right-hander’s 420 career saves are seventh most in MLB history. Signed by Boston as a free agent on December 13, 2022, the Curaçao native owns a 2.52 ERA (228 ER/813.2 IP) in 817 career games with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010-21), Atlanta Braves (2022), and Red Sox (2023).
Weiss, 31, has pitched in 12 games for the Red Sox this season, recording a 3.21 ERA (5 ER/14.0 IP) with 15 strikeouts. The right-hander also made six appearances for the Los Angeles Angels, allowing three runs in 5.1 innings. Claimed off waivers from the Angels on August 25, the California native has also made four scoreless appearances with Worcester this season, striking out six batters in 4.0 innings.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 24, 2023 4:56:06 GMT -5
Robert hits 311-foot homer in 9th to snap scoreless tie and give White Sox 1-0 win over Red Sox
AP
BOSTON (AP) There's no other ballpark in the majors where Luis Robert Jr.'s 311-foot line drive would have been a home run.
Heck, it might not have even gotten high enough to clear Fenway Park's 37-foot Green Monster in left.
But the White Sox slugger's curving liner found the front row of the right field seats beyond Fenway's Pesky Pole in the ninth inning of a scoreless game on Saturday to give Chicago a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
“It was hilarious because he’s got (38) home runs and all that, and then he hits one 311,” said Dylan Cease, who struck out 11 in seven scoreless innings to surpass 200 strikeouts for the third straight season. “Baseball is funny like that sometimes.”
Playing in a cold rain, with the wind blowing in at a steady 10 mph, Cease and Boston starter Nick Pivetta matched scoreless innings before both departed after seven. Aaron Bummer (5-5) pitched the eighth for Chicago, walking the first two batters before retiring the heart of the Boston order to escape.
Bryan Shaw got the last three outs for his third save, striking out Ceddanne Rafaela with runners on first and second to end it.
Josh Winckowski (4-3) struck out three in two innings after relieving Pivetta, allowing two hits, including the curling line drive that found the first row of seats - just beyond the foul pole that is 302 feet from home plate. Robert called the foul pole “the best,” saying it made up for a couple of much longer drives in Baltimore last month that stayed in play.
“It’s gotten us a few times, but today it helped us,” Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “This is a really nice place to play, and it’s got so many different things going on in the ballpark that it’s really cool. And that’s one of them today. Today, it helped us.”
Masataka Yoshida had three hits for Boston but grounded out to end the eighth with runners on first and second. Boston stranded 10 runners - going 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
The last-place Red Sox are playing for a chance to finish above .500 and to catch the rival Yankees and avoid finishing last in the AL East for the third time in four seasons. Chicago, which is all-but locked into fourth place in the AL Central, snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the fourth time in 12 games.
NOTHING DOING
Pivetta held the White Sox hitless until Andrew Benintendi singled to lead off the fourth inning. In all, the Red Sox right-hander allowed three hits and a walk while striking out seven. Cease also pitched seven scoreless, allowing six hits for his 17th career double-digit strikeout game, and his fourth this season.
The 11 strikeouts left the Chicago righty with 207 for the season. He is the third White Sox pitcher to top 200 for three straight seasons, joining Chris Sale, who did it four times from 2013-16, and Hall of Famer Ed Walsh (1910-12).
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: Reinstated closer Kenley Jansen from the COVID-19 injured list and optioned RHP Zack Weiss to Triple-A Worcester.
UP NEXT
Finale of the three-game series. RHP Mike Clevinger (8-8) will face Boston RHP Kutter Crawford (6-7).
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 24, 2023 4:58:02 GMT -5
Pivetta's gem (7 scoreless) undone by late Chicago homer
Righty K's seven, Josh Winckowski surrenders HR to Luis Robert Jr. in loss to White Sox
September 23rd, 2023
Craig Forde
BOSTON -- The battle of the Sox turned into a battle against the rain and an outstanding pitcher’s duel all at once as Nick Pivetta stymied Chicago’s lineup with seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 loss to the White Sox on Saturday at Fenway Park.
“He’s pounding the strike zone with good stuff,” manager Alex Cora said. “That was a good one. He has one more left. He’s been fun to watch, especially the last two and a half, three months. He likes to compete, always available and those were tough conditions that he was throwing in.”
As a steady rain draped the ballpark for the first five innings of play, before getting worse later, Boston’s starter worked efficiently, allowing just three hits -- all singles -- and one walk.
Two of those singles came in the fourth inning, and Chicago found itself with runners on first and third with one out before Pivetta struck out Yoán Moncada and then forced Andrew Vaughn to ground out to short to end the only threat against him all day.
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“I grew up in that,” noted Pivetta, a native of Victoria, British Columbia. “I grew up pitching in the rain, so it was no different. It was nice that you had a grounds crew who were able to keep the field pristine, as they always do. They worked really, really hard and did a really good job with the mound and the field.”
From there, Pivetta would send the final seven batters he would face back to the dugout empty handed. With his 92nd pitch of the night, Pivetta struck out Vaughn and then excitedly skipped his way off the mound and into the dugout.
“I think I’ve had many good games,” said Pivetta, who struck out seven batters. “I feel like I’ve been consistent in the second half. I feel like I’ve been contributing the way I need to best.”
This season, Pivetta has split time between the bullpen and rotation, due in part to the injuries suffered by the starting rotation. This was his fourth straight start and his longest outing since he tossed 7 1/3 innings in a loss at Seattle on July 31.
Cora was again pleased with his starter’s efforts, and the manager believes that Pivetta’s second half could go a long way in setting up success for next season.
“It’s very important,” said Cora. “We’re having our individual meetings, talking to the guys and going through this season and the offseason and what we want to do. There are certain things that he did last year that helped him out mechanically. The struggles early on [this season] taught him a lot. He learned a lot this year. He’s in a better position going into the offseason knowing that he can compete at this level.
“I feel super confident,” added Pivetta, who has struck out 33 batters and only allowed four walks over 26 1/3 innings in September. “I still have a ton to work on, I still need to be more consistent in the zone. Being able to put things together slowly has benefited me a lot.”
For Chicago, starter Dylan Cease struck out 11 batters in seven scoreless innings, allowing six hits on the day.
In total, Red Sox pitching gave up just five hits, but with two outs in the ninth, Luis Robert Jr. shoved a backdoor changeup from Josh Winckowski just past Pesky's Pole in right field for a 311-foot solo home run.
“That part of the park gives and takes,” Winckowski succinctly stated.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Sept 24, 2023 5:20:53 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Missing the playoffs is unfamiliar territory to Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen, and he hates the feeling
By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated September 23, 2023, 6:05 p.m.
Kenley Jansen isn’t used to going home before the postseason. Every year since 2013, when the closer was a member of the Dodgers, Jansen has played postseason baseball. When his tenure in Los Angeles came to a close following the 2021 season, Jansen transitioned to Atlanta, punching his ticket to the postseason with the Braves last year. Jansen, now in the first year of a two-year deal with the Red Sox, will miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
“It’s hard,” said Jansen before Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the White Sox in the second game of a three-game set at Fenway Park. “I ain’t going to lie about it. But you got to be here for your teammates. Got to be that grown, grown man. That vet. And of course it sucks. But at the same time, you have to stick together as a team.”
Jansen, who was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday, wasn’t at the stadium when chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom was fired Sept. 14. Jansen has made it clear that he wants to play for a winner. That’s why he came to Boston in the first place. Whoever replaces Bloom will be challenged to meet not just Jansen’s standard, but the market, too, that will experience three last-place finishes in Bloom’s four-year run.
“They got to figure it out,” Jansen said of the Sox front office. “They know what we need. I know the next one coming in will know what we need. I am going to encourage all these young guys to work their butts off.”
What does Jansen view as a necessity for the Red Sox?
“Pitching depth,” he said. “Pitching depth is important. It’s not just going out and getting superstars. We saw it. You can’t help injuries. I feel like injuries hit us right at the All-Star break, and we were thin on pitching. I think that’s when fatigue hit everybody. That’s my opinion. But who am I? I’m a player saying that. But that’s just my experience. Being on great teams, they have good pitching.”
Red Sox players believed they were just a couple of arms away from making a real run. But Bloom, citing the team’s low odds, decided not to add much at the trade deadline.
Jansen’s experience with his former clubs included proven executives running the baseball operations department, from Andrew Friedman in Los Angeles to Alex Anthopoulos in Atlanta. They created a formula, winning on the margins, certainly, but more importantly, getting the players needed in order to dominate opponents.
“They know what we need,” Jansen said. “They know what we need that will put us in the best position to make the playoffs. to be in the playoffs. I’m invested in winning. I have another year left here on this contract. I want to experience winning with Boston.”
Cora’s wish list
A couple of weeks ago, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that the club needed bullpen arms with more velocity. That remains true. But on Saturday, Cora made it clear that the bullpen, while effective, needs more premier talent to match the likes of Chris Martin and Jansen.
“’My advice will be for us to get a few arms, and then we will have to make tough decisions in spring training, and those guys have to go to Triple A and be ready to come up here.
Cora’s comments mirrored Jansen’s.
“The whole revolving door with the options is real,” Cora said. “That’s how you survive tough stretches and injuries. That’s the way I see it going forward. I’ll talk to whoever I have to talk to in the upcoming weeks or months and go from there. We have to make sure that in spring training we make tough decisions. Tough decisions are the guys that have been part of this for the last two or three years, and they have options, if they don’t make the team they have to go to Worcester.”
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