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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 5:39:33 GMT -5
Red Sox’ Kutter Crawford hit hard by Brewers in ‘pretty terrible’ outing
Published: May. 25, 2024, 5:45 a.m.
By
Sean McAdam | sean.mcadam@masslive.com
BOSTON — When a pitcher fails, sometimes the reasons aren’t easy to identify. It could involve pitch mix, or approach, or command.
But there was little mystery about what happened to Kutter Crawford at Fenway Park Friday night.
“This is the big leagues,” explained Crawford after he allowed six runs on seven hits in a 7-2 Red Sox’ loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. “If you leave pitches over the middle of the plate in neutral or hitter’s counts, they’re going to hit ‘em.”
And indeed they did. Of the seven hits off him, four were for extra-base hits. That doesn’t count a spectacular diving catch by Ceddanne Rafaela in the left-center gap to rob Joey Ortiz of a double (or triple) in the second inning. He lasted just 4.1 innings, marking only the second time this season that he failed to get through at least five innings.
Crawford didn’t mince words. He was unsatisfied with his performance.
“Pretty terrible, to be honest,” he concluded. “I wasn’t able to make quality pitches in certain counts and they put some good swings on balls. But overall, just not a good outing by me.”
His sweeper, which has been an important pitch for him in the first two months, was decidedly subpar on this night. That was evident in the third inning when, with runners at the corners and one out, Brewers catcher William Contreras hit a rocket laser into the Monster Seats that hit one the back walls, caromed back and took out a full tub of popcorn, to comedic effect.
Surprisingly, for someone who was tagged for six runs, Crawford didn’t find himself falling behind a lot of Milwaukee hitters. To the contrary, he was often ahead early in counts, only to see the Brewers get even and then take advantage.
“I was able to get ahead 0-2, 1-2, but then I didn’t make competitive pitches in those counts,” he lamented, “and in deep counts, not a very good job by me.”
It didn’t help matters that the Brewers came into Friday ranked fifth in MLB in both runs scored and OPS.
“They’re good,” confirmed Crawford. “They compete every single pitch. They didn’t chase a whole lot and they make you get in the zone.”
Through the first five starts to the season, Crawford never allowed more than a single earned run. But over the last six, he’s now yielded for or more runs in three different outings.
“The righties are hurting me right now,” said Crawford, “and i have to change my sequences up with them.”
Manager Alex Cora was more philosophical about Crawford’s recent downturn and saw no reason to be worried.
“(That’s) the season,” he shrugged. “He’s a good pitcher. He is. He’s going to have days like this and he’s going to go six and they’re going to score three. I don’t think there’s something going on. I just think today he wasn’t unable to put guys away in those middle counts. That pushed the pitch count up and we weren’t able to do it tonight.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 5:44:46 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 9h Tyler O'Neill goes down swinging on a sweeper. He's 0-for-4 with 4 strikeouts tonight, and has fanned in 7 straight PAs. His tough May -- in which his chase rate has gone up considerably -- continues.
Pete Abraham @peteabe 34 K's in 70 plate appearances this month
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 5:56:47 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK After early struggles, David Hamilton regroups and starts to contribute for Red Sox on regular basis By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 24, 2024, 10:10 p.m.
Through mid-May, David Hamilton’s role with the Red Sox seemed tenuous.
Initially called up to fill in at shortstop when Trevor Story suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, Hamilton’s stint as a regular lasted less than two weeks before his offensive and defensive struggles resulted in a move to the bench in mid-April. Over a 24-game stretch, he made only four starts and played in eight games.
The Sox considered sending Hamilton to Triple A to give him steadier playing time. Hamilton, who was staying at an Airbnb in Boston and had a temporary locker, likewise wondered if he’d be returning to Worcester.
“But,” Hamilton said, “at the end of the day, there’s nothing I can do [about the team’s decision], so I just tried to take it day by day and work on whatever I needed to work on that day.”
The Sox were pleased with what they saw as purposeful offensive and defensive pregame work, and on the recent six-game road trip decided to reintegrate him into the lineup. The 26-year-old played in each game, with five starts, and went 5 for 16 with a .313/.353/.750 line while playing crisp middle infield defense. After he seemed like he was rushing in every aspect of the game early in the season, Hamilton seemed better attuned to the pace of play.
“I hate the term ‘the game speeding up on you,’ but it kind of was,” he said before going 3 for 4 with an RBI in Friday night’s 7-2 loss to the Brewers at Fenway Park.. “I’m not going to say it was a good thing [not to play], but sitting and watching for the time that I did, I think it helped me out just to see Major League Baseball, just watch the game and get more comfortable in the atmosphere.”
Now, it is Hamilton who is helping the team to speed up the game. Against the Brewers, he was back at short and batting eighth, in a lineup grouping with fellow speedsters Ceddanne Rafaela (ninth) and Jarren Duran (leadoff).
“I like this group,” manager Alex Cora said. “It’s a bunch of athletes out there running around and hopefully we can keep putting pressure on the opposition.”
With a more defined role has come a measure of comfort for Hamilton. He moved into an apartment in Boston on Thursday’s offday, and now has a fixed locker. More importantly, he has a place in the lineup.
“It was good [to watch the game], but it’s more fun to be playing,” he said. Weissert a go-to guy
While closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin typically anchor the eighth and ninth innings for the Sox, Greg Weissert was a go-to option of choice in front of that duo on the road trip.
Though he’s often fallen behind this year (first-pitch strike percentage of 45 percent), the righthander has roared back by attacking the strike zone with a four-pitch mix that has helped him to a 2.21 ERA and 24-to-4 strikeout-to-walk rate in 20⅓ innings entering Friday.
“This guy should be one of our best relievers,” Cora said. “The weapons — four-seamer, two-seamer, changeup, slider — he’s nasty.”
Weissert has inflicted particular misery on righthanded hitters, with 11 strikeouts and no walks in 46 matchups, a performance that has led the Sox to summon him as the matchup of choice for such luminaries as Mike Trout and Ronald Acuña.
“It is exciting when you get those situations,” Weissert said. “I love coming in with guys on. Any type of situation like that is fun.”
Cora praised Weissert’s impact, suggesting that he’s been everything the Sox hoped for when they made him part of the three-player return they received in the offseason (along with Triple A starter Richard Fitts and lower-level pitcher Nicholas Judice) from the Yankees for Alex Verdugo.
“That trade was huge for us,” Cora said. “[Verdugo] was one of our best players last year. But we got three good arms. One is impacting the roster already. The other one is throwing the ball OK in Triple A, and the other one, he’ll help us at one point in the future.” Changeup called before first pitch
The Brewers changed their pitching plans for the series opener Friday morning, electing to use lefthander Jared Koenig as an opener in front of righthander Bryse Wilson, the originally scheduled starter … Bench coach Ramón Vázquez was away from the Sox while attending his daughter’s high school graduation … One day after he pitched in a rehab game at Double A Portland, oft-injured righthander Bryan Mata, who opened the year on the injured list due to a hamstring issue, felt soreness in his shoulder/lat area and likely will be pulled off his rehab assignment. The 25-year-old will visit with team doctors Saturday … Righthander Isaiah Campbell, who threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts in a Triple A rehab outing Wednesday, will pitch again Saturday for Worcester. He’s been on the injured list since April 12 due to a shoulder impingement … First baseman Triston Casas (torn rib cartilage) took ground balls for the first time since landing on the injured list. Casas, who hopes to come off the 60-day injured list when first eligible June 21, reported the session went well. He has yet to start swinging the bat … Designated hitter Masataka Yoshida has yet to commence baseball activities in his return from a thumb strain that sent him to the IL … Officials from Lexington honored Brewers outfielder and Lexington High alum Sal Frelick at Fenway in the morning (before one by the village clock), declaring it “Sal Frelick Day” in the player’s hometown. Frelick, who played right field and finished 0 for 5, received a warm round of applause during pregame introductions … New Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn threw the ceremonial first pitch.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 6:01:28 GMT -5
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Boston Red Sox
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 4:10pm EDT Written by The Tower
Fenway Park will host game two of an interleague series on Saturday afternoon. The Milwaukee Brewers (28-21; 16-12 away) are visiting, while the Boston Red Sox (26-24; 10-13 home) are defending their home as always. This game's first pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. EDT. Boston beat the Brewers in two of their three matchups a year ago. Will Milwaukee make them pay this year?
(Published before Friday's matchup)
Milwaukee Slumping Milwaukee may still be in first place, but a 2-4 start to this road trip against a pair of losing teams wasn't the plan for this week. They can at least finish on a high note in Fenway. Most of the Brewers' success comes from an offense that averages 4.98 runs per contest, the third-most in the majors. This team is sixth in batting average, fourth in OBP, sixth in slugging percentage, seventh in home runs, and third in stolen bases. The Brew Crew is also fifth in walk percentage. Getting this lineup out is no easy task for any foe.
Things aren't always as smooth on the mound, but Milwaukee has a solid pitching staff too. Their relievers are top 10 in WAR and ERA. As a unit, they have MLB's second-best LOB%. It'll be Colin Rea's task to hand them the ball with a lead. He has struggled lately, surrendering 29 hits, five homers, and 17 runs over his last 27.0 innings pitched. His WHIP is up to 1.397 before this game.
Red Sox Heating Up The Red Sox returned home for this series after sweeping the Rays on the road, which brought their winning streak to four games. If Boston wants a postseason return, a better home record is imperative. This weekend can start that process, assuming that one of MLB's best pitching staffs continues to shove. Nick Pivetta brings a 3.04 ERA and 0.825 WHIP into this start. Boston has won three of his past four stars, and the Braves are the only team to score more than two runs against him. Pivetta will be backed by a bullpen that is second in WAR, second in FIP, and sixth in ERA. Let's see how they fare against a dangerous Brewers lineup.
However, Boston's winning ways recently have been because those pitchers are receiving run support. The team had scored at least five runs in six of their last seven before Friday's series opener. That brought the Red Sox up to 4.5 runs per game, 12th in the majors. Boston is 10th in homers and 10th in stolen bases. As a lineup, the Red Sox rank 14th in batting average, 11th in OBP, and ninth in slugging percentage. This same offense is also 21st in walk percentage and 27th in strikeout percentage.
Brewers at Red Sox Saturday, at 4:10 PM EST Clear It's expected to be 75° F with a 1% chance of precipitation and 7 MPH wind blowing right to left in Boston at 4:10 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Mostly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures are expected for Saturday afternoon's interleague matchup at Fenway Park. A light breeze will blow across the diamond from right to left. Overall, weather will not have a significant impact.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 7:04:11 GMT -5
Red Sox aim to keep Brewers' bats in check in rematch FLM
The Boston Red Sox will have to pitch better if they expect to beat the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon in the second contest of their three-game series.
Specifically, the Red Sox will have to pitch better to a significant part of Milwaukee's batting order.
William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Willy Adames -- Milwaukee's Nos. 2-4 hitters -- had seven hits, five RBIs and four runs during the team's 7-2 triumph on Friday night. Contreras was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer.
"He's a top-five player in baseball right now," said Brewers right-hander Bryse Wilson, who pitched 5 1/3 innings behind opener Jared Koenig on Friday. "I don't think there's any question about that."
Yelich was 3-for-4 and drove in a run, and Adames had two hits and two RBIs.
"Everyone has to respect William, but he has (Yelich) hitting behind him," Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy said. "When he's hitting, that's helping everyone. There was some good, hard contact tonight, and we stayed relentless by getting on base."
Most of the damage was done against Boston starting pitcher Kutter Crawford, who saw his ERA rise from 2.17 to 2.89 after he allowed six runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.
"He had a tough time putting people away," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. "They extended at-bats and credit to them. They're a good ballclub."
Contreras gave the Brewers a 3-0 lead when he hit a 397-foot home run to highlight a three-run third inning. Milwaukee extended its advantage to 6-1 with a three-run fifth inning that included an RBI double by Yelich and a two-run double from Adames that knocked Crawford out of the game.
"It was a good game for us," Contreras said through an interpreter. "Guys like Yelich, Adames, myself -- we were able to put it together."
Saturday's matchup will be the eighth contest in a nine-game road trip for the Brewers, who have lost four of the first seven outings. Milwaukee enters the contest with a 17-12 road record this season. Boston is 10-14 at home.
Boston outfielder Jarren Duran, who had a double and two singles in Friday's loss, carries a nine-game hitting streak into Saturday's contest. Ten of his 14 hits during that span have gone for extra bases (six doubles, two triples and two home runs).
David Hamilton also hit safely three times in the loss. It was the first three-hit game of his major league career. Hamilton is 10-for-31 (.323) this month.
The Red Sox acquired Hamilton in a trade with Milwaukee that sent Hunter Renfroe to the Brewers.
Boston is scheduled to send right-hander Nick Pivetta (2-2, 3.04 ERA) to the mound Saturday. He's 1-2 with a 9.19 ERA in three career appearances (all starts) against the Brewers. Pivetta has allowed 16 runs, including five home runs, on 23 hits in 15 2/3 innings against them.
Right-hander Colin Rea (3-2, 4.07 ERA) is Milwaukee's probable starter. He has never faced Boston.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 9:50:16 GMT -5
Game 52: Brewers at Red Sox lineups and previewBy Matt Pepin Globe Staff,Updated May 25, 2024, 1 hour ago The Red Sox began a difficult homestand on Friday with a loss. Starting pitcher Kutter Crawford had his shortest outing of the season and was hit hard in a 7-2 Boston loss. The meat of Milwaukee’s batting order – William Contreras, Christian Yelich, and Willy Adames in the 2-3-4 spots – had seven hits, five RBIs, and four runs on Friday. Contreras was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer. On Saturday, Nick Pivetta, who picked up a win in his most recent start against St. Louis, will try to tame a Brewers’ lineup that ranks third in MLB in runs. Here’s a preview: Lineups BREWERS (29-21): Brice Turang (L) 2B William Contreras (R) C Christian Yelich (L) LF Willy Adames (R) SS Jake Bauers (L) 1B Gary Sánchez (R) DH Sal Frelick (L) RF Joey Ortiz (R) 3B Blake Perkins (S) CF Pitching: RHP Colin Rea (3-2, 4.07 ERA) RED SOX (26-25): Jarren Duran (L) CF Connor Wong (R) C Tyler O'Neill (R) LF Rafael Devers (L) 3B Romy Gonzalez (R) DH Wilyer Abreu (L) RF Dominic Smith (L) 1B Ceddanne Rafaela (R) SS David Hamilton (L) 2B Pitching: RHP Nick Pivetta (2-2, 3.04 ERA) Time: 4:10 p.m. TV, radio: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7 Brewers vs. Pivetta: Willy Adames 2-7, Jake Bauers 0-2, William Contreras 3-8, Owen Miller 1-2, Gary Sánchez 2-5, Brice Turang 1-2, Joey Wiemer 1-2, Christian Yelich 5-14 Red Sox vs. Wilson: Wilyer Abreu 0-2, Garrett Cooper 1-6, Rafael Devers 1-5, Jarren Duran 2-3, Vaughn Grissom 0-2, David Hamilton 2-3, Reese McGuire 1-2, Tyler O’Neill 2-8, Ceddanne Rafaela 0-3, Dominic Smith 2-4, Connor Wong 0-3 Stat of the day: The Red Sox are 1-12 when allowing six or more runs. Notes: The Brewers are playing their eighth game of a nine-game road trip. They lost four of the first seven. ... Milwaukee is 17-12 on the road; Boston is 10-14 at home. ... Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who had a double and two singles in Friday’s loss, has a nine-game hitting streak. Ten of his 14 hits during that span have gone for extra bases (six doubles, two triples, two home runs). ... Sox righty Nick Pivetta is 1-2 with a 9.19 ERA in three career appearances (all starts) against the Brewers. Pivetta has allowed 16 runs, including five home runs, on 23 hits in 15 2/3 innings against them. ... Brewers starter Colin Rea has never faced Boston. Song of the Day- Bob Seger - Ramblin' Gamblin Man www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKwXHDs1R6Y
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 13:31:39 GMT -5
So the Brew Crew are going with an opener thus the Analytic Team has to reconfigure the batting order and send it to Cora.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 16:13:38 GMT -5
Well a few early observations O'Neil is up to 8 straight K's now Sox are being no hit by an opener and now Rea
The Brew Crew in there 3rd with 2 outs string together 6 straight hits to take a 5-0 lead
Nothing like getting your ass handed to you, at home
At least not everyone in the stadium is not booing , the empty seats are quiet, and the Brew Crew fans are having fun
5-0 Brewers after 3.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 19:38:03 GMT -5
Joey Ortiz's 2-run double caps big 3rd, Brewers beat Boston 6-3 after holding Sox hitless through 6 AP
BOSTON (AP) Joey Ortiz hit a two-run double to cap a five-run third inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Boston Red Sox 6-3 on Saturday.
Brice Turang added a solo homer for the Brewers, who beat the Red Sox for the second straight day in their three-game series.
Wearing their City Connect uniforms of bright yellow jerseys with powder blue lettering and hats, the Red Sox went hitless through six innings. Ceddanne Rafaela drove in two runs for Boston.
Colin Rea (4-2) gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings of relief after Jared Koenig got the first four outs.
Rea allowed Rafael Devers’ leadoff double off the center-field wall in the seventh that ended the no-hit bid.
“I was watching it from the training room and didn't want to move,” Koenig said. “I was hoping Colin was going to keep it going, but that's a tough thing to do.”
The last no-hitter by the Brewers was on September 11, 2021, when pitchers Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader combined to beat the Cleveland Indians 3–0.
Trevor Megill struck out David Hamilton with two runners on for his eighth save.
All five of the Milwaukee's runs in the third came with two outs on four straight hits off Boston starter Nick Pivetta (2-3). Jake Bauers, Gary Sánchez and Sal Frelick - who grew up in nearby Lexington, Massachusetts and played at Boston College - each had an RBI single before Ortiz’s hit into the left-center gap.
“Two outs nobody on, six straight hitters came to the plate - impressive,” Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy said. “Kind of relentless. Every pitch is important, two outs nobody on. ... Just keep pecking away like that, like a woodpecker, never stop.”
Turang homered over Boston’s bullpen in the eighth.
Pivetta was tagged for five runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings, but he did record his 1,000th career strikeout when he got William Contreras swinging on a curveball in the third.
“I got behind guys and walked guys,” Pivetta said. “I wasn't able to get the job done.”
Koenig started for the second consecutive game. The last Brewers’ pitcher to do that was Zack Greinke, who did it three straight in 2012. He started on July 7, was ejected in the first inning, started the next day and then the first game after the All-Star break.
A replay review showed that a fan down the left-field line reached out and interfered with a ball puts in play by Willy Adames in the second inning. Murphy challenged that it was touched and Adames went to second base.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock said his season is over and he’s expected to have his right ulnar collateral ligament repaired with an internal brace. The 27-year-old had Tommy John surgery when he was in the Yankees farm system in 2019. “The rehab from this is a ton easier than Tommy John. It’s one of those things where you keep moving forward,” he said before the game. … 1B Triston Casas (injured list since April 21, rib strain) started taking grounders recently. Manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t know when he can start swinging a bat again. “We want to make sure he goes through the right steps and sticks to the process,” Cora said. “Obviously, the swinging part of it, you go through the right steps.” … Boston LF Tyler O’Neill, who made a leaping grab of Blake Perkins’ drive before banging into the Green Monster in the second, left the game with right knee soreness. “He didn't feel great throughout, so we deceided to take him out,” Cora said.
BREWERS’ TRADE
The Brewers got RHP Garrett Stallings from Baltimore for RHPs Thyago Vieira and Aneuris Rodriguez.
Stallings, 26, was a fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2019 amateur draft. He went 0-1 with a 5.67 ERA in 11 games, four starts, for Triple-A Norfolk this season.
UP NEXT
Brewers RHP Tobias Myers (1-2, 5.00 ERA) is scheduled to face Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (4-5, 1.94) in the series finale Sunday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 25, 2024 19:39:45 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: O'Neill day to day; Whitlock out for season 47 minutes ago MLB.com
LATEST NEWS May 25: OF Tyler O'Neill day to day with right knee soreness O'Neill was replaced by Rob Refsnyder in left field in the top of the eighth inning of Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Brewers due to right knee soreness. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the right-handed hitter is likely to sit out on Sunday, and the goal is for him to be back in the lineup for Monday's game in Baltimore. The discomfort is something O'Neill has been grinding through in recent days, and he didn't discount that it could have something to do with his recent slump at the plate. O'Neill is 0-for-15 over his last four games with 10 strikeouts.
"Been dealing with it for a little while, and it just kind of intensified a little more than I wanted it to," O'Neill said. "Trainers noticed and took me out of the game. I think it was the right move for today. Obviously I'm not feeling 100 percent up at the plate right now. It doesn’t look like this when I’m feeling good."
May 25: RHP Garrett Whitlock expecting internal bracing procedure Though Whitlock's appointment to have his damaged right UCL examined by Dr. Jeff Dugas isn't until Wednesday, the righty already knows he won't pitch again this season. With the damage to the UCL that was found in the MRI conducted by the Red Sox, Whitlock knows he will need surgery. In his conversations with Dugas, Whitlock is expecting to undergo an internal bracing procedure, which is considered a repair. Tommy John surgery, which Whitlock underwent five years ago, is a reconstruction of the ligament and requires more rigorous rehab and a longer recovery than the bracing procedure.
Whitlock expects to make a significant contribution to the '25 Red Sox.
May 25: RHP Bryan Mata having right lat injury checked out Mata, Boston's No. 27 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, continues to have health issues. During the third appearance of his Minor League rehab assignment on Thursday, Mata experienced soreness in his right lat area. He will be examined at Fenway Park by Boston's medical staff this weekend. Mata, who has yet to appear in the Major Leagues, is out of options. Mata has been repeatedly snakebitten by injuries in his quest to be make his big league debut.
"It's been really tough just dealing with all of these weird injuries that have been happening to me," said Mata. "All I can control is working hard like I have been. It's definitely tough."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 26, 2024 5:40:56 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe Sox say O'Neill is day-to-day with a sore knee. He's also 20 of his last 100 with 45 strikeouts. Good reason to give him a few days to re-set, watch some video, etc. 8:23 PM · May 25, 2024 ·
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 26, 2024 5:42:43 GMT -5
Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_ Red Sox are now 10-15 at Fenway this season.
Just not the start you were looking for on this homestand. Especially with a tough schedule in front of you. Orioles coming up next.
This team will mix in some fun weeks/series when the young core is rolling, but these are the bumps that come when development is at the forefront. Especially with the injuries they’ve suffered.
Gotta find a way to avoid the sweep tomorrow. Last edited 7:58 PM · May 25, 2024 · 12.9K Views
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 26, 2024 5:46:11 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats The Fenway Experience™: Travel to see your team beat up on the Red Sox in America's Most Beloved Ballpark
10-15 at home 7:53 PM · May 25, 2024 · 37.6K Views
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 26, 2024 5:50:21 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Garrett Whitlock takes head-on approach to another injury ending season with Red Sox By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated May 25, 2024, 9:26 p.m.
Garrett Whitlock is set to travel to Alabama on Wednesday to have his right elbow examined by Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Institute.
Based on the preliminary diagnosis, his torn elbow ligament will be repaired with an internal brace procedure. That would officially end his season.
It’s yet another setback for the Red Sox righthander, whose career has been marred by injuries. But Whitlock is approaching the surgery with a sense of optimism and opportunity.
“Mentally, where I’m at, I feel I’m able to connect with a lot of people, the Boston fans,” Whitlock said Saturday before the Sox lost to the Brewers, 6-3, at Fenway Park. “Boston is a city built on resilience. It’s a city built on determination and hard work. I feel like I’m really starting to connect with them.”
Whitlock had on a T-shirt saying “Ain’t Found A Way to Kill Me Yet” given to him by Sox vice president of sports medicine and performance Brad Pearson.
“There’s a reason I’m wearing the shirt,” Whitlock said. “Just because I’m dealt another blow, it’s about how you get back up and fight.”
Whitlock believes he will come back stronger. In the meantime, he plans to do more work with The Jimmy Fund and helping out his teammates.
“He’s a man of faith,” manager Alex Cora said. “We talked about it. Sometimes we get frustrated, we question what’s the plan. He doesn’t get to that point. He’s been great for us … a leader in every aspect.”
Dugas performed Tommy John surgery on Whitlock in 2019 when he was a Yankees prospect. Based on a recent MRI, the expectation is that Whitlock will have this latest tear repaired with an internal brace procedure.
That should allow him to pitch next season.
“I feel like I’ll be ready for ‘25,” Whitlock said. “I’m looking to attack this thing head-on.”
Whitlock now lives in Fort Myers, Fla. But he once lived less than a mile from the Andrews Institute in Birmingham. It’s close to Alabama-Birmingham, where he played college ball.
The 27-year-old and his wife, Jordan, are expecting their first child in early July. The surgery will allow him to spend more time with his wife and son.
“Now I know I’m going to be there to hold my son in my arms,” he said. “There’s nothing else that can replicate that.” Injured Mata in for a look
Bryan Mata first signed with the Red Sox in 2016 and has been on the 40-man roster since 2020. But the righthander has never pitched for the major league team because of injuries.
He won’t be changing any time soon. Mata is on the minor league injured list with lat soreness after appearing in only three games. The 25-year-old was at Fenway on Saturday to get checked out.
“It’s been really tough dealing with all these weird injuries that have been happening to me,” Mata said via a translator. “All I can control is working hard like I have been. That’s something that’s out of my control.”
Mata said he felt “great” while he was pitching. But after his last appearance he felt soreness in the lat muscle.
“I’m confident in my abilities and the talent that I have,” Mata said. “I think I can be a capable big league pitcher in whatever role they want to give me.”
Reyes sent to Mets for cash
The Sox sold Triple A infielder Pablo Reyes to the Mets. Reyes, 30, hit .260 with a .647 OPS over 85 major league games the last two seasons. He was designated for assignment April 29 and had since played five games for Worcester … Brewers first base coach Quintin Berry was a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2013. Berry was acquired from the Royals on Aug. 27 and played in 12 games in September. He was used as a pinch runner three times in the postseason, stealing second base each time. He replaced David Ortiz twice and Daniel Nava once … University of South Carolina infielder Gavin Casas, Triston’s brother, broke the hamate bone in his right hand during an SEC Tournament game Friday and could miss the rest of the season. The senior is hitting .260 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 58 games … The Red Sox are 7-18 when the opposing team scores first … The game drew a crowd of 34,822. Other than the home opener, the Sox have not had a sellout this season … Reliever Isaiah Campbell pitched a scoreless inning for Worcester in his second rehabilitation appearance. The righthander allowed one hit and struck out one, throwing 9 of 14 pitches for strikes. Campbell has been on the injured list since April 12 with a shoulder impingement.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 26, 2024 5:53:52 GMT -5
With starting pitching in question, Brewers finish series vs. Red Sox FLM
Left-hander Jared Koenig said he wouldn't object if he were asked to make his third start in as many days when the visiting Milwaukee Brewers try to complete a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
Koenig was used as an opener in the first two games of the series, and the Brewers haven't announced a starter for Sunday's game.
"I would assume they're not going to throw me back out there, but if they text me and say, 'Hey, we need you,' and I'm feeling good then I don't see why not," Koenig said. "Ultimately it's their decision, not mine. ... I'm going to do what I can to be ready."
Koenig faced four batters in Milwaukee's 7-2 victory on Friday, and recorded four outs (three strikeouts) during Milwaukee's 6-3 win Saturday. He threw 27 pitches in the two games.
"Going out there and getting the four outs that were needed and throwing the ball well, it's always nice to help out," Koenig said. "I don't think (being used as an opener) really changes that much. The goal is still to get as many outs as possible and do whatever I'm asked. That being back-to-back days to open, that's fine. I'm happy with that. I've started before, so it's nothing too crazy."
Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy said he chose to use Koenig as an opener because Boston's lineup is typically heavy with left-handed hitters at the top of the batting order.
"It happens a lot (when a) starter gives you a good start and a reliever comes in and gives you an inning and a third," Murphy said. "We just did it in reverse. I don't think it's a magical plan. ... Using an opener isn't anything new. We just chose to do it with this lineup."
Before Saturday's game, Murphy made it sound like he was considering using Koenig to open for a third consecutive game, but changed his stance after Saturday's win.
"I think that's a little too much, but he did another nice job today," Murphy said.
Koenig became the first Brewers pitcher to start back-to-back games during the same season since Zack Greinke in 2012. Greinke was ejected in the first inning of the first start and was used as a starter again the following day.
"It's something unique and I'm just happy to try and help the team however I can," Koenig said.
Right-hander Tanner Houck (4-5, 1.94 ERA) is scheduled to start for Boston on Sunday. Houck, who has never faced the Brewers, limited the Tampa Bay Rays to two hits over seven innings to earn the win in Monday's 5-0 road victory.
The Red Sox could be without outfielder Tyler O'Neill for the final game of the series. O'Neill, who has 11 home runs this season, left Saturday's game with right knee soreness.
"I think it was the right decision," O'Neill said. "I've been grinding through it for a little bit. Felt it more so on the last swing that I took coming out of the box. Felt like my cleat got caught on something in the batter's box, so it didn't feel too good. The trainers noticed it and took me out of there.
"Just trying to manage my workload right now and make sure my body is in a good spot so I can get out there every day. ... Hopefully, I'll wake up (Sunday) feeling a lot better, but day-to-day for now."
--Field Level Media
Brewers at Red Sox Sunday, at 1:35 PM EST Partly Cloudy It's expected to be 76° F with a 38% chance of precipitation and 7 MPH wind blowing right to left in Boston at 1:35 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com
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