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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 5:24:02 GMT -5
Guardians @ Red Sox Monday, 15th April 2024 11:00 am @ Fenway
Red Sox welcome Guardians to town for annual Patriots' Day game FLM
The Boston Red Sox will celebrate the Patriots' Day holiday in Massachusetts with their traditional Monday morning game, welcoming in the Cleveland Guardians for the start of a four-game series.
The atypical 11:10 a.m. start time creates a tight turnaround for both sides following Sunday victories.
Boston hit three home runs and hung on for a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels, while Cleveland headed east after avoiding a series sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees with an 8-7, 10-inning win.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora expects his lineup to get a boost from third baseman Rafael Devers, who has missed the last four games due to a shoulder injury.
"I think he'll be ready for (Monday)," Cora said. "Just playing it smart. He's too important for us, not only now but in the future, so we'll take care of him so he can take care of us."
The Red Sox hand the ball off to Kutter Crawford (0-0, 0.57 ERA), who has allowed just seven hits and two runs (one earned) over his first 15 2/3 innings this season.
Crawford struck out six across five scoreless, two-hit innings last Wednesday against Baltimore, but did not factor into the decision in his team's eventual 7-5 loss. It was his eighth straight start with at least five strikeouts dating back to last September.
"Got out there for the fourth and fifth inning and kind of got out of sync command-wise. Had to lean on the sweeper there," Crawford said of his last outing. "Kind of leaning on one pitch. It was the pitch I felt I could command at the time."
The 28-year-old has gone 0-2 with a 5.52 ERA in 14 2/3 career innings against Cleveland, which includes at least one start in each of the past three seasons.
Red Sox starting pitchers have allowed just 19 earned runs in 83 1/3 innings this season after Brayan Bello worked a solid 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball in Sunday's game, which was their ninth game scoring at least five runs.
The Guardians lead the American League Central and look to build upon a memorable win against New York, as Andres Gimenez's walk-off sacrifice fly capped a three-run 10th and a comeback from an early 3-0 deficit.
Estevan Florial had hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth -- his second in as many days against his former team -- but the Yankees responded with one run in the ninth and two to start the extra frame.
"We have a full roster that can win a ballgame and it showed (on Sunday)," first baseman David Fry said. "The last four or five days, we've been behind in the first inning in almost every game and we fight back. It's just who this locker room is."
First-year manager Stephen Vogt has seen team chemistry come together quickly.
"This is a core that's been together for a number of years. Nothing's changed and that's been the message," Vogt said. "I know there's been a lot of change around here, but you guys don't change who you are. Keep going and they love each other."
Cleveland's Xzavion Curry (0-0, 0.00) is expected to make his first start of the season and his first career start against Boston after beginning the season on the inactive list due to illness.
The 25-year-old righty made his second rehab start for Triple-A Columbus last Wednesday, allowing one run (a solo homer) and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
--Field Level Media Guardians at Red Sox Monday, at 11:10 AM EST Partly Cloudy It's expected to be 56° F with a 0% chance of precipitation and 8 MPH wind blowing left to right in Boston at 11:10 AM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 5:28:42 GMT -5
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 5:30:56 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Martin (non-throwing shoulder) day to day April 14th, 2024
MLB.com LATEST NEWS
April 14: RHP Chris Martin (left shoulder) day to day Ace Red Sox setup man Martin was unavailable in Sunday's 5-4 victory due to some discomfort in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. At this point, manager Alex Cora is unsure how much more time the veteran will miss.
"We’ll see," said Cora. "The last few days he has been dealing with it so we’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow, how he feels. We have to make sure this is right for his mechanics to be right. We don’t want him to hurt his right shoulder because he can’t get to where he wants to go. "
April 14: 3B Rafael Devers (left shoulder) should return Monday Devers rested his nagging left shoulder for a fourth straight day on Sunday, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora is hopeful the star slugger will return for the Patriots Day game (11:10 a.m. ET start) on Monday against the Guardians.
"I think he’ll be ready for tomorrow," said Cora. "We’re just playing it smart. Like I said, he’s too important for us, not only now but in the future, so we just have to take care of him so he can take care of us later on. He’s feeling better. He’ll take a few swings today, and hopefully tomorrow’s the day.”
April 14: INF Enmanuel Valdez's left thumb contusion is "feeling better" On a steal attempt in the sixth inning of Saturday's game against the Angels, Valdez stumbled on the basepaths and Angels first baseman Miguel Sanó landed on Valdez's hand on the tag attempt. Valdez was already scheduled to have a day off on Sunday against lefty starter Tyler Anderson. Manager Alex Cora said on Sunday morning that Valdez is "feeling better."
April 14: 2B Vaughn Grissom (left groin, left hamstring) continues rehab assignment Grissom played the second game of his Minor League rehab assignment for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Grissom is 0-for-7 in two games as the designated hitter. He should play second base in the coming days. Given the season-ending injury to shortstop Trevor Story, the Red Sox could really use Grissom's right-handed bat. However, he didn't play at all in Spring Training, so the club isn't likely to rush him during his rehab assignment, which can last a maximum of 20 days.
• All Red Sox transactions 10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Nick Pivetta (right elbow flexor strain) Expected return: Later this month After diagnosing Pivetta with a flexor strain in his right elbow, the Sox placed the righty on the injured list, retroactive to April 6. In an encouraging development, Pivetta resumed throwing on April 13 and was cleared to do so again on April 14. Pivetta went 1-1 with a 0.82 ERA in his first two starts this season before getting shut down. (Last updated: April 14)
OF Rob Refsnyder (left pinkie toe) Expected return: Late April/early May Refsnyder played the third game of his Minor League rehab assignment on April 14, going 1-for-3 with a walk and playing right field. (Last updated: April 14)
2B Vaughn Grissom (right hamstring strain) Expected return: Late April/early May Grissom played on Aug. 12 and 14 for Triple-A Worcester, going 0-for-7 in the first two games of his Minor League rehab assignment. He was the DH in both games, but should play second base soon. Given that he didn't play any Spring Training games, his rehab could be on the lengthier side. The maximum time for a position player on a Minor League rehab assignment is 20 days. (Last updated: April 14)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 5:39:33 GMT -5
Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox series preview, pitching matchups
Published: Apr. 15, 2024, 5:01 a.m.
By
Joe Noga, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — This is a preview of the Guardians’ series against the Red Sox. Monday is Patriot’s Day in Boston, a local holiday that traditionally includes the Boston Marathon and an early Red Sox home game.
Where: Fenway Park, Monday through Thursday.
TV/radio: Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM 1100 AM and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the series. Tuesday and Wednesday’s games will also air on WMMS 100.7 FM.
Pitching matchups and start times: RHP Xzavion Curry (1st Start) vs. RHP Kutter Crawford (0-0, 0.57) on Monday at 11:10 a.m.; RHP Tanner Bibee (1-0, 5.93) vs. RHP Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 1.26) on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.; RHP Ben Lively (1st start) vs. RHP Tanner Houck (2-1, 2.04) on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.; RHP Carlos Carrasco (0-1, 3.55) vs. RHP Cooper Criswell (0-0, 4.50) on Thursday at 1:35 p.m.
Series: The Guardians split six games with Boston last season, scoring 32 runs and allowing 27. Cleveland leads the all-time series with 1,053 wins to 999 for Boston.
Red Sox update: Boston entered play Sunday in third place in the AL East and ranked third in the AL in home runs with 20. Red Sox pitchers have the lowest ERA and the most strikeouts in the AL. After dropping their opener against Los Angeles (AL) last week, the Sox took the final two games and
Guardians update: Cleveland is coming off a 3-3 homestand following a dramatic 8-7 win against the Yankees in 10 innings Sunday. The Guardians are a half-game ahead of the red-hot Royals for first place in the AL Central Division. Jose Ramirez is a career .281 hitter with eight home runs and 24 RBI in 48 games against the Red Sox. Josh Naylor is a career .308 hitter with a home run and six RBI in seven games at Fenway Park.
Injuries:
Red Sox: RHP Nick Pivetta (right elbow), INF Romy Gonzalez (left wrist), RHP Isaiah Campbell (right shoulder), 2B Vaughn Grisson (right hamstring), SS Trevor Story (dislocated shoulder), OF Rob Refsnyder (left toe), RHP Bryan Mata (right hamstring), LHP Chris Murphy (left elbow), RHP Liam Hendricks (right elbow), RHP Lucas Giolito (right elbow).
Guardians: RHP Shane Bieber (right elbow), RHP Gavin Williams (right elbow), RHP Trevor Stephan (right elbow), RHP James Karinchak (right shoulder) LHP Sam Hentges (left middle finger) and INF Angel Martinez (right foot) are on the injured list.
Next: The Guardians return home to open a three-game weekend series Friday against Oakland at Progressive Field.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 5:47:00 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen has yet to get a firm grasp on his woes, but the baseballs may be a reason By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 14, 2024, 9:14 p.m.
Kenley Jansen’s outing Sunday was another reminder that he’s still searching. The Red Sox closer has eight walks and one hit batter on the season. His struggles, though Jansen struck out Mike Trout to close out a 5-4 victory, are related to his mechanics feeling off.
But something else feels off, too: the baseballs.
“They throw balls out there that aren’t rubbed well,” said Jansen. “Last time I checked I didn’t walk people this much.”
The balls are rubbed with mud so pitchers can get a better grip. But Jansen said that on both the road and at home this season, the balls have been extremely slippery. Jansen added that he always goes through a plethora of baseballs during an inning, trying to find the right one.
“It’s just brutal,” said Jansen. ”For me, yes, I have to get better; I’ll always be accountable to myself. But you have better bullpen [balls] rubbed up than game balls. I feel like they can do better … I don’t want to be the guy who just continues to keep throwing balls out [trying to find one with grip].”
MLB cracked down on pitchers using sticky stuff for grip during the 2021 season. That was an adjustment for a lot of pitchers, and some never recovered. The baseball, generally speaking, has been a hot topic dating back to even 2019 when pitchers felt the ball was too live, which was the reason for the spike in homers that season. Then, in 2022, hitters complained that the ball was too dead.
“I have nothing to grip,” said Jansen. “The ball feels like a pearl. The rosin bag is not how it used to be. That’s tough. That’s all I’m saying.”
Still, Jansen did his job well enough Sunday to pick up his 424th save, tying him with John Franco for the fifth most in MLB history.
Yoshida adjusting
Masataka Yoshida’s value is in his bat. After claiming the everyday job in left field last season, Yoshida, a below-average defender, hasn’t made a start there this year, playing just one inning.
That puts more pressure on Yoshida to hit for power out of the designated hitter spot. That hasn’t been the case so far for the second-year player who has struggled out of the gate, but Sunday’s two-run home run could be what gets the 30-year-old going.
“Masa is going to be fine,” said manager Alex Cora prior to the game. “He’ll be fine. He’s going through some things swingwise, but he’s putting competitive bats. Yesterday he had a good day Sunday. Just a matter of time for him to start doing damage.”
In the sixth inning with the Sox leading, 3-2, and Angels reliever José Suarez on the mound, Yoshida pounded a middle-middle sinker over the right field wall for his first homer of the season, and a three-run advantage.
The Sox will need more slugging from Yoshida — especially if he’s a mainstay at DH. Yoshida, who hit .289 last season, clubbed 15 homers and slugged .445 with a .783 OPS. Yet a lot of those stats were front-loaded because after the All-Star break, Yoshida hit a deep funk, batting just .254/.278/.386 with a .664 OPS. There was a power outage, too, with Yoshida hitting just five homers after the break. Before Sunday’s game, Yoshida’s most recent homer was Sept. 4. For more perspective, Yoshida went 130 plate appearances (34 games) without a homer.
The Sox said Yoshida had difficulty adjusting to MLB travel and the 162-game schedule. Because of that, Yoshida would feel as though his legs were heavy, hampering his ability to get to his swing going.
This year, however, Cora says Yoshida’s slow start is more mechanical.
“He’s fighting his swing right now,” said Cora. “He’s always on point with his swing. He pays a lot of attention to details. You know, he’s working [the hitting coaches]. But I think there’s a few things that he’s fighting mechanically right now.”
Sunday might have been a good sign for Yoshida, though.
“I’m trying to make minor adjustments to get the best swing out of me,” said Yoshida through a team interpreter. Special uniforms Monday
The Guardians-Red Sox Patriots Day matchup will begin at 11:10 a.m. The team will wear home jerseys with “Boston” across the front, honoring those who died in the Boston Marathon 11 years ago. Monday also marks Jackie Robinson Day, and Sox players will don Robinson’s No. 42 in blue lettering on the back of their home white uniforms.
Pregame ceremonies will begin at 10:40, recognizing One Boston Day and the 77th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier. The End Zone Militia will provide the presentation of colors and the American flag will cover the Green Monster. Sympli Whitney will sing the national anthem. Devers may be back
Cora believes third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) should be ready for Monday’s game. Devers has been sidelined for the last four games (six overall) as he continues to deal with left shoulder issues. “We’re just playing it smart,” said Cora. Like I said [Saturday], he’s too important for us not only now but in the future. So just take care of him and he’ll take care of us later.” Devers took swings Sunday . . . Chris Martin was out Sunday with a sore shoulder. Cora considers the reliever day-to-day . . . Nick Pivetta (elbow) felt good after playing catch Saturday. The starter will play catch again Monday . . . Marathoner Meb Keflezighi threw out the first pitch Sunday at Fenway. Keflezighi has achieved the feat of winning the New York City Marathon (in 2009) and the Boston Marathon (in 2014). His victories mark him as the first American man to win each race since 1982 and 1983. Keflezighi will take part in Monday’s race after a six-year hiatus.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 7:38:54 GMT -5
Game 16: Guardians at Red Sox lineups and notes for a Patriots Day showdownBy Matt Pepin Globe Staff,Updated April 15, 2024, 10 minutes ago The Red Sox play their annual Patriots Day game on Monday, featuring a morning start time and special uniforms. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. The Red Sox will wear home jerseys with “Boston” across the front, honoring those who died in the Boston Marathon bombing 11 years ago. Monday is also Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball, and Sox players will don Robinson’s No. 42 in blue lettering on the back of their home white uniforms. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 10:40, recognizing One Boston Day and the 77th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier. The End Zone Militia will provide the presentation of colors and the American flag will cover the Green Monster. Sympli Whitney will sing the national anthem. Traditionally, many Sox fans have made their way to Kenmore Square after the ballgame to watch thousands of runners streak into the city as they approach the finish line on Boylston Street. The finish line remains active throughout the afternoon. Here’s a preview of Monday’s game: Lineups GUARDIANS (10-5): Steven Kwan (L) LF Andrés Giménez (L) 2B José Ramírez (S) DH Josh Naylor (L) 1B Bo Naylor (L) C Tyler Freeman (R) CF Estevan Florial (L) RF Gabriel Arias (R) 3B Brayan Rocchio (S) SS Pitching: RHP Xzavion Curry (3-4, 4.07 ERA in 2023) RED SOX (9-7): Jarren Duran (L) CF Rafael Devers (L) 3B Tyler O'Neill (R) LF Triston Casas (L) 1B Masataka Yoshida (L) DH Wilyer Abreu (L) RF Enmanuel Valdez (L) 2B Reese McGuire (L) C Ceddanne Rafaela (R) SS Pitching: RHP Kutter Crawford (0-0, 0.57 ERA) Time: 11:10 a.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Guardians vs. Crawford: Will Brennan 1-3, Estevan Florial 1-2, Andrés Giménez 1-5, Austin Hedges 0-1, Steven Kwan 2-7, Josh Naylor 3-5, José Ramírez 2-6 Red Sox vs. Curry: Triston Casas 1-1, Rafael Devers 1-2, Jarren Duran 0-2, Reese McGuire 0-1, Enmanuel Valdez 0-1, Connor Wong 1-1, Yoshida Masataka 0-3 Stat of the day: The Red Sox are 3-1-1 in series play this season. Notes: Cleveland’s Xzavion Curry is expected to make his first start of the season and his first career start against Boston after beginning the season on the inactive list due to illness. The 25-year-old righty made his second rehab start for Triple-A Columbus last Wednesday, allowing one run (a solo homer) and five hits in 4 1/3 innings. ... Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford has allowed just seven hits and two runs (one earned) over his first 15 2/3 innings this season. Crawford struck out six across five scoreless, two-hit innings last Wednesday against Baltimore, but did not factor into the decision in his team’s eventual 7-5 loss. It was his eighth straight start with at least five strikeouts dating back to last September. ... The Red Sox expect to get third baseman Rafael Devers back after he missed the last four games because of a shoulder injury. ... Red Sox starting pitchers have allowed 19 earned runs in 83 1/3 innings this season after Brayan Bello worked a solid 5⅓ innings of two-run ball in Sunday’s game, which was their ninth game scoring at least five runs. ... The Guardians defeated the Yankees on Sunday on Andres Gimenez’s walk-off sacrifice fly, which capped a three-run 10th inning. Material from Field Level Media and previous Globe reports was included in this story. Song of the Day: Jackson Browne - Running On Empty www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKnnh8VDULs
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 9:15:59 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne Alex Cora said the main reason Ceddanne Rafaela is playing short is because Abreu needs to play. Cora says Abreu will now be playing against all righties. 11:01 AM · Apr 15, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 9:17:03 GMT -5
Christopher Smith @smittyonmlb Alex Cora on Ceddanne Rafaela playing shortstop: “He’ll play short. We’ll use him at short. This is not about the shortstop thing (upgrading defensively). This is about (outfielder Wilyer) Abreu getting at-bats.” 11:14 AM · Apr 15, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 10:02:38 GMT -5
Another dress like a seat day today?
right on
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 10:52:53 GMT -5
Mac Cerullo @maccerullo Alex Cora says they're considering going with a bullpen game on Thursday, but it will depend on how things play out the next three days against Cleveland. 11:19 AM · Apr 15, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 10:56:34 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne Alex Cora said the Red Sox need to have Abreu in the lineup against all righties. He was speaking mainly about his bat, but Abreu can also go get 'em in right and just made a spectacular play against the wall. He also has a cannon arm. 12:21 PM · Apr 15, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 12:45:09 GMT -5
So Crawford was cruising then Weissart came in and imploded Wincowski as well
O'neil and Devers have a collision in shallow left O'Neil left the game, Devers stayed in.
Anyway, 4-0 Guardians
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 14:13:59 GMT -5
Will Brennan homers, Guardians beat Red Sox 6-0 to spoil Boston's Patriots’ Day game AP
BOSTON (AP) Will Brennan hit a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Red Sox 6-0 on Monday in Boston’s traditional Patriots’ Day game.
José Ramirez and Gabriel Arias each added an RBI double for Cleveland, which has started 8-2 on the road.
Wearing their white jerseys with red letters that read “Boston” across the front, which was inspired by the first game back after the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, the Red Sox were held to three hits.
Boston left fielder Tyler O’Neill had to leave the game in the eighth after colliding with third baseman Rafael Devers when the two were chasing a shallow pop up.
“He has a big gash here,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said while pointing at his forehead, talking about O'Neill. “He got eight stitches. He's going through the concussion protocol, hopefully everything's fine.”
Cora said Devers told him he feels fine, but would go through concussion protocol.
Making his season debut after starting on the injured list due to a viral illness, Guardians starter Xzavion Curry held the Red Sox to two singles over five innings.
“It's tough to get the body going for an 11 a.m. game,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “He was hungry for the start. We could have started at 6 this morning and I think he would have been ready to go.”
The 25-year-old righty was isolated in the team’s hotel in spring training for days and lost 15 pounds. He looked ready to go for the 11:13 a.m. first pitch after a pair of minor-league rehab starts, where he posted a 1.29 ERA with eight strikeouts over seven innings.
“Actually, when I had a rehab start I had to pitch during the day,” Curry said. “I kind of like pitching during the day because I can wake up and I'm right at it. I don't have to let my mind ponder how the game's going to go. I can wake up and kind of get to it.”
Brennan hooked his homer around the Pesky Pole in right off reliever Brennan Bernardino (0-1).
Tim Herrin (1-0) worked two innings of hitless relief for the win.
Boston right fielder Wilyer Abreu made a splendid leaping, over-the-shoulder catch before he tumbled into the base of the bullpen wall on Ramirez’s fly ball in the first inning.
Boston has been scheduled to play on Patriots’ Day in Fenway Park every year since 1959. The game is played in conjunction with the running of the Boston Marathon that passes through Kenmore Square, which is a block behind the Green Monster and about a mile from the finish line.
Former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski spiked the ceremonial first pitch, going to the stretch before throwing it into the mound. It brought a huge roar from the crowd.
Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford struck out six over 5 2/3 scoreless, giving up two hits.
“Some guys that are scuffling right now, but we should be OK,” Cora said about his team's offense.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said LHP Logan Allen was fine after getting hit on the pitching elbow in Sunday’s walk-off win over the Yankees. “One of the underlying stories that likely got overshadowed was Logan getting hit,” he said. “Thankfully it looks like he’s OK.” … Ramirez fouled a ball off his shin but stayed in.
Red Sox: Third baseman Devers returned to the lineup after missing the previous four games with a sore left shoulder. … Cora said RHP Nick Pivetta (right elbow flexor strain) felt good after throwing for the second time Sunday, but there was no timetable yet on his return.
UP NEXT
Guardians: RHP Tanner Bibee (1-0, 5.93 ERA) looks to rebound from a rough start on Tuesday in the second of the four-game series. In his previous outing, he gave up five runs in 4 1/3 innings against the White Sox on April 10.
Red Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock (1-0, 1.26) is in line to start for Boston. He’s given up just two earned runs in his three starts, covering 14 1/3 innings.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 14:16:32 GMT -5
Red Sox OF gets 8 stitches after scary play teammate calls ‘worst in baseball’
Published: Apr. 15, 2024, 3:09 p.m.
By
Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON — The Red Sox appear to have avoided catastrophe after two of their best players collided in scary fashion during Monday’s game.
Third baseman Rafael Devers and left fielder Tyler O’Neill hit each other hard trying to catch an Estevan Florial pop-up in the seventh inning of Boston’s 6-0 loss to the Guardians but both appear to have avoided serious injury. Devers was shaken up but stayed in the game; O’Neill departed and received eight stitches near his eyebrow as the game concluded. He’s day-to-day and going through the league’s concussion protocol Monday afternoon.
Manager Alex Cora expects that both players will avoid the injured list.
“T.O. has a big gash,” Cora said. “He got stitches, eight of them. We’ll see what happens next. He’s going through the concussion protocol. Hopefully, everything’s fine. Raffy, same deal. He got hit hard, I guess. He says he feels good.
“I don’t think there’s any need to make a move. We just need to stay the course.”
Seconds after Guardians center fielder Will Brennan broke a scoreless tie with a two-run homer off Greg Weissert, Florial lifted a soft fly ball to shallow left field and Devers, back-tracking, tried to make a play at the same time as O’Neill, who was sprinting in toward the ball. The two players hit each other hard and appeared to bang heads before falling to the ground. Devers, who made the catch, lay motionless on his stomach for a short period before getting up. O’Neill came to a knee and was bleeding from his face as trainers from both teams, as well as Cora, rushed onto the field.
“I think that’s the worst play in baseball when you’ve got the infielder running back on a blooper and the outfielder running in hard. It’s tough to watch,” said starter Kutter Crawford. “You don’t want to see two of your teammates come out like that, laying on the ground. It’s one of the worst plays that can happen in baseball.”
Cora said the collision was the result of a simple miscommunication.
“They called it at the same time, probably,” he said. “In this game, we talk about communication and all that but when there’s (33,008) people in there, it’s hard. It’s two guys trying to make a play. They ran into each other.”
Both O’Neill and Devers were in Boston’s clubhouse after the game. O’Neill, sporting a cut on his face, got dressed at his locker but was not cleared to talk to the media. Devers appeared to be fine and agreed to talk to the media about the game before slipping out a back door, out of view of the team’s media relations department.
O’Neill has been one of Boston’s best players so far this season. He has hit .313 with a league-leading seven homers and 1.029 OPS in his first 15 games with the club. Devers, who returned Monday after missing four games due to nagging left shoulder soreness, has struggled to start the year, hitting .190 with two homers and two doubles. Devers and O’Neill combined to have two of Boston’s three hits on a slow Marathon Monday for the offense.
Cora was pleased both players left the field having avoided serious injury.
“Scary ... When I got there, Raffy was OK. I saw the blood,” Cora said. “Hopefully, both of them are OK. Raffy tomorrow and we’ll see with T.O.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 15, 2024 14:18:37 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Devers returns from shoulder injury 12:23 PM ADT
MLB.com LATEST NEWS
April 15: 3B Rafael Devers returns from left shoulder injury After missing the previous three games due to a left shoulder injury, the star slugger was back in manager Alex Cora's lineup on Monday. Devers also missed two games in the first series of the season with an ailment that started to bother him late in Spring Training. The Red Sox hope the last three days of rest will prevent it from being an issue going forward.
“That's why he's playing," said Cora. "I told him, 'Hey, man, I’m protecting you. And if I don't feel you’re OK, you're not gonna play.' He had some great days as far as taking care of himself, so he’s ready to go. He's gonna continue to swing hard and hopefully making adjustments as far as preparation and all that will help him to be OK. That’s the reason we stayed away from him. He didn’t hit for two days at one point. He feels good. Hopefully this is it for that.”
April 15: RHP Chris Martin (left shoulder) day to day Ace Red Sox setup man Martin was unavailable in Sunday's 5-4 victory due to some discomfort in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. At this point, manager Alex Cora is unsure how much more time the veteran will miss. Cora unconvincingly said Martin was available on Monday, giving a playful wink to the reporter who asked the question.
"We’ll see," said Cora. "The last few days he has been dealing with it, so we’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow, how he feels. We have to make sure this is right for his mechanics to be right. We don’t want him to hurt his right shoulder because he can’t get to where he wants to go. "
April 15: 2B Vaughn Grissom, Rob Refsnyder check in with Sox With Triple-A Worcester off on Monday, rehabbers Grissom and Refsnyder came to Fenway Park to check in with the team's training staff. Both players will resume their rehab on Tuesday. Refsnyder is going to play some first base in the coming days to give the Red Sox some more versatility when he returns. He played that position earlier in his career. Grissom spent his first two rehab games at DH and will play second base in the coming days. Manager Alex Cora said Grissom will also play some innings at shortstop at some point during his rehab.
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OF Rob Refsnyder (left pinkie toe) Expected return: Late April/early May Refsnyder played the third game of his Minor League rehab assignment on April 14, going 1-for-3 with a walk and playing right field. He will resume action for Triple-A Worcester on April 16, and play first base at some point in the coming days to increase his versatility. (Last updated: April 15)
2B Vaughn Grissom (right hamstring strain) Expected return: Late April/early May Grissom played on April 12 and 14 for Triple-A Worcester, going 0-for-7 in the first two games of his Minor League rehab assignment. He was the DH in both games, but should play second base soon. Grissom had April 15 off, and will rejoin Worcester for the upcoming homestand that starts on April 16. Given that he didn't play any Spring Training games, his rehab could be on the lengthier side. The maximum time for a position player on a Minor League rehab assignment is 20 days. (Last updated: April 15)
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