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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 6, 2021 17:27:31 GMT -5
Red Sox @ Orioles Friday, 7th May 2021 7pm @ OPACY
Erod 4-0/ 4.18
Coming off his first shaky start of the season where he allowed 8 hits and 4 runs over 5IP and lacking normal velocity and command was lifted after 67 pitches.
Harvey 3-1/4.06
Has won 3 straight pitching to a 3.24 ERA during that stint. [/font][/i][/font]
Boston Red Sox vs.Baltimore Orioles Friday, May 7, 2021 at 7:05pm EDT Written by Chris Kubala
It’s a battle of AL East rivals on the diamond in Charm City as they open up a weekend set. The Boston Red Sox are on the road as they open up a four-game set with the Baltimore Orioles Friday night. Boston closed out a three-game set with Detroit at home on Thursday afternoon with the rubber game. The Red Sox fell 6-5 in 10 innings in the middle game of the set Wednesday night. Baltimore won the rubber game of their three-game road set with Seattle, earning a 6-0 victory on Wednesday afternoon in their most recent game. The teams have split six meetings this season with the road team prevailing in each contest. In the last series, the Red Sox swept three games here April 8-11.
Boston Red Sox Looking to Maintain AL East Lead Boston played the rubber game of their three-game home set with Detroit Thursday afternoon after falling Wednesday night in extra innings. The Red Sox entered Thursday holding a 1.5-game advantage over New York and Tampa Bay in the AL East race. Marwin Gonzalez (run, RBI) was the lone Boston player with two hits in the contest while J.D. Martinez clobbered his 10th homer of the year. Martin Perez didn’t factor in the decision as he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits with two walks and six strikeouts over 5.2 innings of work. Garrett Whitlock (0-1) took the loss as he allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits with no walks or strikeouts in one inning of relief.
Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball for his fifth start of the season for the Red Sox in this contest. He comes in 4-0 with a 4.18 ERA, a 1.036 WHIP, three walks and 31 strikeouts over 28 innings of work this season. Rodriguez didn’t factor in the decision in his last start, which came Saturday on the road against Texas. He threw five innings, allowing four runs on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts in an 8-6 Red Sox defeat. In his last three starts, Rodriguez is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, two walks and 19 strikeouts over 18 innings of work. Rodriguez makes his 21st career appearance and 19th start against the Orioles in this contest. He is 10-5 with a 3.34 ERA, a 1.096 WHIP, 25 walks and 118 strikeouts over 107.2 innings of work. Rodriguez is 6-2 with a 2.84 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, 16 walks and 61 strikeouts over 57 innings in 10 career starts at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Baltimore Orioles Trying to Gain Ground in AL East Baltimore earned the win in the rubber game of their road series with the Mariners as they pitched the third no-hitter of the season in the contest. The Orioles entered Thursday in the basement of the AL East, three games behind the Red Sox for the top spot. Against Seattle, Pat Valaika (run, RBI) was the lone player with two hits in the contest for Baltimore. Valaika (his first) and Trey Mancini (his sixth) each homered in the contest for the Orioles. That was more than enough for John Means (4-0), who was in a groove all day. He went the distance, allowing no runs on no hits with no walks and 12 strikeouts. Means lost the perfect game on a wild pitch third strike in the third inning to Sam Haggerty, who was promptly erased on a caught stealing.
Matt Harvey is expected to take the hill in this contest for his seventh start of the year for the Orioles in this contest. He comes in 3-1 with a 4.06 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, nine walks and 22 strikeouts over 31 innings of work on the year. Harvey earned the win in his last start, which came Saturday on the road against Oakland. He threw 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three walks and one strikeout in an 8-4 Baltimore victory. In his last three starts, Harvey is 3-0 with a 3.24 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, six walks and 10 strikeouts over 16.2 innings of work. Harvey logs his fourth career start against the Red Sox in this contest. He is 0-1 with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.149 WHIP, three walks and 17 strikeouts over 15.2 innings of work in those outings. Harvey is 1-1 with a 4.12 ERA, a 1.271 WHIP, seven walks and 19 strikeouts over 19.2 innings in four career starts at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 6, 2021 17:30:00 GMT -5
Rest of SP Match Ups
Saturday....7pm...Richards 1-2/ 4.40 vs TBD
Sunday....1pm....Pivetta 4-0/ 3.23 vs Kremer 0-2/6.43
Monday....7pm...Lopez 1-3/6.49 vs Perez 0-2/4.40
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 1:41:59 GMT -5
Bogaerts' 1,000th game; injury updates May 6th, 2021 Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- As another reminder of his constant presence on the Red Sox in what is now his ninth season with the club, shortstop Xander Bogaerts played in his 1,000th career game on Thursday against the Tigers.
In typical Bogaerts fashion, he was all over the place, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI while making all the plays at shortstop in a wild 12-9 win.
At 28 years and 217 days, Bogaerts became the 10th player to appear in 1,000 games for the Sox before turning 29 years old, joining a distinguished group that also includes Bobby Doerr, Dwight Evans, Harry Hooper, Rico Petrocelli, Jim Rice, Everett Scott, Reggie Smith, Tris Speaker and Carl Yastrzemski.
"It definitely means a lot," said Bogaerts. "I know for sure I came a long way since the day I signed and growing up as a kid just trying to learn to play the game and be successful and get to the big leagues. Now I have quite some [service] time and quite an amount of games, which is pretty impressive for a little kid who was just trying to get to the big leagues from Aruba.
"I'm extremely proud of myself and I'm thankful everyone who helped me, especially my family for always being there to support me throughout the good and the bad, because I had my bad times for sure. I definitely had a bumpy road at the beginning, but I'm happy where I'm at right now."
Bogaerts is the 30th player in team history to play 1,000 games.
"I do believe he's the most consistent person in this organization," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "I mean, off the field, on the field, physically, what he does in the offseason, the way he takes care of himself during the season. The way he goes about his business. Everything is about winning for him."
Bogaerts was initially called up to the Red Sox on Aug. 19, 2013 -- in the middle of a pennant race. He was part of a veteran-laden team but still got the opportunity to prove himself once he moved into the starting lineup midway through the postseason.
"I know when he came here in 2013, he got a taste, he got a ring, but that was a special group. A group of grinders," said Cora. "[Mike] Napoli, [Stephen] Drew, [Jonny] Gomes, David [Ortiz], [Dustin] Pedroia, just a bunch of grinders. [Shane] Victorino. And then [Bogaerts] learned right away what it's all about to play in this market, in this stadium, in this city for this franchise. And he doesn't take a day for granted."
Nor does Cora take for granted that he has Bogaerts as his shortstop. In fact, the manager isn't afraid to expand the boundaries of their relationship beyond the ballpark. Cora puts his young twin sons on the phone with Bogaerts when the occasion calls for it.
"Yesterday, the boys didn't want to have breakfast. They love Xander Bogaerts. They know the number. Obviously, one of the kids, his first name is Xander," said Cora. "So I called Xander and said, 'Tell them what they have to do.' He said, 'Hey, you guys have to eat.' They crushed breakfast. It was amazing."
And as usual, Bogaerts is crushing the baseball this season.
Bogaerts leads the Majors with 42 hits and is fifth with a .356 average. When the day started, he was tied for the American League lead in doubles and has belted six homers in the past 15 games. Bogaerts started the day leading MLB shortstops in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, doubles, hits and extra-base hits.
"He's a special dude, special player, special guy," said Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki. "Just the way he goes about his business, obviously the results on the field speaks for itself, but the work he puts in that nobody sees, the kind of teammate he is in the clubhouse and the dugout, on the road, whatever the case may be, he's just a really good dude and I know a lot of guys around here look up to him and go to him for certain things."
Bumps and bruises update Kiké Hernandez started Thursday by lacing a leadoff double in the bottom of the first. But on the slide into second, he tweaked his right hamstring and was removed from the game with what the team's medical staff referred to as tightness.
Cora was unsure of Hernández's availability leading into the weekend series against Baltimore. It's possible the Red Sox could have to add a position player to the roster such as Michael Chavis, who wasn't in the lineup for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.
"He thought it was probably a cramp in the beginning, but then he felt it was more than a cramp," said Cora. "I don't know how serious it is. I haven't had too much time to talk to [trainer] Brad [Pearson], but we'll talk about it and obviously we'll stay away from him tomorrow. We'll have more later on or tomorrow."
Alex Verdugo moved from left to center to replace Hernández. Franchy Cordero came off the bench to play left field and subbed in for Hernández in the leadoff spot and had a big day, belting three hits and scoring three times.
Still, the timing of Hernández's injury is far from ideal. Christian Arroyo was out of the lineup a day after he was belted on the left wrist by a pitch. It was the second time this season Arroyo has taken a shot to that same wrist. The last time it happened was April 25, and Arroyo had three days of rest before playing again.
X-rays taken on Wednesday night came back negative.
The good news is that Arroyo was healthy enough to pinch-run late in Thursday's game. He scored a run and then made a tremendous stop on defense in the top of the ninth.
Cora made special note of Arroyo's contribution after the game.
"I can tell you from experience, that's kind of hard, because when you become a defensive replacement, you have to make the play," Cora said. "People expect you to make the play. It's not that easy and you make that sliding catch and got the lead runner. If you look at the numbers, he's actually one of the best defensive second basemen right now in the big leagues. We're just happy that we have him. I was more than happy that he was willing to go out there a little bit banged up and help us."
Workman returns on Minors deal As the Red Sox departed for Baltimore, the club announced it had re-signed former closer Brandon Workman to a Minor League deal and assigned him to Triple-A Worcester.
Workman spent six seasons with the Red Sox, going 24-16 with a 3.75 ERA and 20 saves. At last year's Trade Deadline, he was dealt to the Phillies along with Heath Hembree for Connor Seabold and Nick Pivetta.
The right-hander signed a free-agent deal with the Cubs on Feb. 18, but after going 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 games, he was released last Friday.
Laundry cart guy Speaking of Plawecki, he jokingly referred to himself as the "laundry cart guy" in a Zoom session with reporters on Thursday.
The ritual the Red Sox started late last season of giving a player a ride in a laundry cart in the dugout started with Plawecki and former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek brainstorming on a way for the team to have some fun. Everyone is having fun with it.
"Every interview I do now, it's all we talk about. The laundry cart guy," said Plawecki. "Haaha. It's just something fun. It keeps the guys loose. Just something that obviously has taken off and here we are. Added responsibility for me every day."
So how did it start, exactly?
"It started last year when Varitek was trying to get me to think of something fun for the guys to do after home runs and I couldn't really think of anything. And last year -- obviously being as tough of a year as it was for all of us in general – tried to find a way to spruce things up," Plawecki said. "I found this laundry cart in Tampa, [Fla.], and I think [Christian] Vázquez was up to bat at the time. 'Tek was like, 'Push him down the tunnel in this laundry cart,' and here we are today, still doing it."
For the current homestand, the Red Sox were greeted with a custom laundry cart.
"Then we had somebody reach out to us, wanted to make us our own custom cart. They reached out to Tommy [McLaughlin], our clubhouse manager, and we put something together and here we are," said Plawecki, who had a strong game with two hits and a key walk in the bottom of the eighth.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 1:55:37 GMT -5
Surging Orioles host division foe Red Sox
Matt Harvey will have a tough act to follow on the mound as Baltimore opens a weekend series against visiting American League East rival Boston on Friday night.
The veteran right-hander gets the start in the Orioles' first game since left-hander John Means threw the team's first no-hitter in 50 years in a 6-0 win at Seattle on Wednesday.
Means struck out 12 and was a stray wild pitch away from perfection to help last-place Baltimore take two out of three against the Mariners for their fifth win in seven games.
"The last three outs, seeing how the teammates embraced him, our clubhouse after the game -- it was like we clinched a playoff spot," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. "We just haven't had a whole lot to cheer for the last couple years. To watch our guys celebrate, you know, it's a cool moment -- because this is a tough game."
Harvey (3-1, 4.06 ERA) has won three straight starts and is hoping some of Means' magic rubs off on him as he seeks his first career win against the Red Sox. The New London, Conn., native has an 0-1 record with a 3.45 ERA in three career starts against Boston -- two of which have come this season.
Harvey tossed 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball on six hits with a walk and four strikeouts, but did not factor into the decision in Baltimore's 4-2 win on April 3 at Fenway Park. Five days later, he took the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts over five innings in a 7-3 home defeat against Boston.
Boston slugger J.D. Martinez is 4-for-6 with an RBI lifetime against Harvey, while Christian Vazquez is a perfect 3-for-3. Rafael Devers (2-for-5, 2 RBIs) and Franchy Cordero (1-for-6) have both taken Harvey deep in previous meetings.
The Red Sox will hand the ball to their ace as southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez (4-0, 4.18 ERA) takes the mound for the opener.
Rodriguez won his first four starts while allowing nine runs over 23 innings before hitting a bump on May 1 against Texas. He gave up a season-high four runs on eight hits with a walk and five strikeouts over five innings in an 8-6 defeat for Boston.
Once a top prospect for the Orioles, Rodriguez has flourished against his former team while going 10-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 20 games (18 starts).
After beginning the season on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, Rodriguez made his season debut at Baltimore on April 8. He gave up three runs on four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in a 7-3 victory.
The first-place Red Sox have won six of 10, but needed a come-from-behind 12-9 win against Detroit on Thursday afternoon to salvage a three-game series win.
"We won two out of three, and now we move on," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "We have to address a lot of stuff, we know that. For us to get to where we want to go, we have to be a lot better."
Boston was outscored 18-5 and swept by Baltimore in its season-opening three-game series on April 2-4 at Fenway Park. The Red Sox returned the favor with a three-game sweep on April 8-11 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:09:01 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook Will Kiké Hernández’s hamstring injury force the Red Sox to make a move? By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated May 6, 2021, 7:34 p.m.
Kiké Hernández was removed from Thursday afternoon’s 12-9 win over the Tigers in the first inning because of right hamstring tightness.
Hernández was hobbled after sliding into second base for a double. That left Christian Vázquez as what appeared to be the only position player on the bench, with Christian Arroyo sidelined because of a left hand contusion. Arroyo did, however, pinch run in the eighth inning, and he played second base in the ninth.
In Hernández’s case, it could mean a stint on the injured list, though manager Alex Cora hoped to know more soon. later on Thursday evening or Friday.
“[Kiké] thought it was probably a cramp in the beginning,” Cora said. “But then he felt it was more than a cramp. I don’t know how serious it is. We’ll talk about it. And obviously we’ll stay away from him tomorrow.”
Michael Chavis, who started the season in Triple A Worcester, was added to the taxi squad, and could be a power threat for a Red Sox lineup that has struggled at the bottom of the order.
Chavis wasn’t in the WooSox lineup for Thursday’s game against Trenton. Related: Red Sox’ high-scoring win over the Tigers shows how much work they need to do
Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said recently that the team will still carry a taxi squad for road games, even with the minor league season under way. When the Red Sox traveled to Baltimore last month, Chavis was part of the taxi squad.
“I can play third, second, first, left field, anywhere,” Chavis said during a Zoom call Thursday. “If it gets me in the lineup, I’m going to be happy. That’s what my goal is at the end of day, is just to be in the lineup playing baseball. So, if my versatility gives me a better opportunity then 100 percent that’s something I’m going to embrace and look forward to doing. I’ll be ready, whenever my opportunity shows up.”
Catcher Jett Bandy likely will be a part of the taxi squad. Running wild
Opponents have been utilizing the run game against the Red Sox, and catchers Vázquez and Kevin Plawecki haven’t been successful at taming it. Vázquez has allowed 13 stolen bases. Meanwhile, teams have swiped 11 bags out of 12 against Plawecki, including two on Thursday.
In the three games against the Tigers,Red Sox yielded seven stolen bases. Vázquez and Plawecki have incorporated the one-knee-down stance behind the plate. It is supposed to help catchers frame pitches (especially those near the bottom of the zone).
Yet Cora doesn’t believe that is the reason why teams have had so much success against Sox catchers on the basepaths.
“I know a lot of people think that they’re running because of that. But [Plawecki] threw 1.9 [pop time] vs. Seattle,” Cora said. “It’s one of the best throws the last two years. So, we like it.” Pop time represents the time elapsed from the pitch hitting the catcher’s mitt to the moment the fielder is projected to receive the catcher’s throw.
The Red Sox believe the one-knee-down catcher’s stance helps in all aspects and are adamant about keeping it as a part of their game plan. As it pertains to throwing out runners, Cora said the Sox are working to improve.
“With the running game, they’ve been very aggressive,” Cora said of the Tigers. “Something they haven’t done the whole season. But we’ll be prepared. We’ll keep working on it.”
Pujols fan
Xander Bogaerts, who played his 1,000th major league game on Thursday, said he came up through the Red Sox system idolizing Albert Pujols, who was released by the Angels.
“I remember when I was in Greenville, I used to hit like Pujols, his batting stance,” Bogaerts said. “Obviously, at that time he was definitely in his prime. He’s had such an amazing career and my batting stance was like him for a period of time.”
From 2001-11 with the Cardinals, Pujols hit .328 with a .420 on-base percentage, 445 home runs, a .617 slugging percentage, and a whopping 1.037 OPS. His run in St. Louis included two World Series titles, three National League MVPs, and two Gold Gloves.
While he reached many milestones as a member of the Angels from 2012-21, including 3,000 hits, Pujols never came close to duplicating his previous level of production, making just one All-Star team.
In 92 plate appearances this season, Pujols hit .198 with five homers.
“He’s had a tremendous career,” Bogaerts said. “It’s just sad what happened over there. I don’t know all the details, but it’s definitely really sad.” Workman signed
The Red Sox announced that they have signed Brandon Workman to a minor league deal.
Workman was drafted by the Sox in the second round in 2010. The righthanded reliever made his major league debut in 2013 and was a part of the big league roster for parts of six seasons.
In 2019, Workman had a breakout season, posting a 1.88 ERA to go along with 104 strikeouts in 71⅔ innings. The Sox traded Workman in August 2020 along with Heath Hembree to the Phillies for pitchers Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold, each of whom have made a significant impression within the organization.
The Red Sox have assigned Workman to Triple A.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:17:44 GMT -5
Red Sox Journal: Hernandez joins list of hobbled players Bill Koch The Providence Journal
Kiké Hernandez is the latest Red Sox player to deal with a nagging injury.
The utility man left for a pinch runner in the bottom of the first inning against the Angels on Thursday. NESN reported Hernandez was suffering from right hamstring tightness.
Christian Arroyo (left hand contusion) was already out of the lineup and Alex Verdugo (lower back tightness) returned after missing Wednesday’s extra-inning loss against the Tigers. Franchy Cordero came on as a pinch runner for Hernandez and scored on a J.D. Martinez single.
“Everybody is available,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Obviously, we’ve got to be careful with Christian. We’ll see how he feels throughout the day, see what he can and cannot do, and we’ll go from there.”
Boston continues to carry a three-man bench and nine pitchers in the bullpen. The Red Sox could be forced to reevaluate their 26-man roster ahead of a four-game weekend trip to Baltimore beginning on Friday.
Hernandez doubled off the Green Monster to start the afternoon matchup with Detroit at Fenway Park. He took third on an infield out and called for the Boston bench in the midst of Martinez’s at-bat. Cordero was installed at the top of the lineup and ended his 0-for-25 slump with an RBI double to right field in the bottom of the second.
Arroyo has been hit by pitches twice on the back of his left hand over the last two weeks. His most recent X-rays were negative, but it’s made hitting difficult. Arroyo left late in Wednesday’s defeat and Christian Vazquez saw some rare infield time as his replacement.
“It looked bad from the get-go when he left yesterday,” Cora said. “It’s pretty similar to last week. Hopefully he doesn’t miss too much.” It was Varitek's idea
Kevin Plawecki is willing to share the credit with Jason Varitek.
The dugout laundry cart celebration employed by the Red Sox was hatched by a pair of catchers. Plawecki was new to the club in 2020 while Varitek was progressing toward an expanded role on the coaching staff as game planning coordinator. Boston staggered through more than two months of losing and COVID-19 protocols — moments of genuine joy were few.
Vazquez’s home run in a game at Tampa Bay changed the equation a bit. Varitek has suggested Plawecki find a way to keep his teammates loose on his off days. Inspiration came in the form of a cart in the third-base dugout at Tropicana Field.
“[Varitek] was like, ‘Push him down the tunnel in this laundry cart,' " Plawecki said. “Here we are today still doing it.”
The Red Sox debuted their own custom model for recent home games. Home clubhouse manager Tom McLaughlin was contacted by an outside company looking to provide a cart that was more easily escapable for sluggers like Martinez.
“We put something together,” Plawecki said. “Here we are.” Whitlock roughed up
Garrett Whitlock absorbed his first loss in the big leagues on Wednesday.
The right-hander allowed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th to Jeimer Candelario. Whitlock has allowed a round-tripper in back-to-back appearances after going untouched through his first 13⅓ innings.
“I was thinking getting ahead with a fastball, try to attack, maybe induce a ground ball,” Whitlock said. “He put a good swing on it.”
Whitlock was working on just two full days of rest, his shortest down period since debuting against the Orioles on April 4. He was pressed into action after Boston’s high-leverage options worked in Tuesday night’s victory and earlier in Wednesday’s game. Ideally, Cora would use Whitlock and Matt Andriese for multiple innings on something resembling regular rest.
“In a perfect world, whenever Garrett pitches, he goes multiple innings,” Cora said. “Whenever Matt pitches, he goes multiple innings. We would spread them out.
“But, as you know, it’s not a perfect world.”
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On Twitter: @billkoch25
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:20:19 GMT -5
Tom Caron @tomcaron · 9h Bottom line: The #RedSox aren't as good as they looked in the 9-gm winning streak. They're not as bad as they have looked over the last week. They're somewhere in the middle. And the sum of all that is 19-13. No #MLB team has a better record.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:27:19 GMT -5
Mastrodonato: Red Sox have tough decision to make with struggling Bobby Dalbec
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: May 6, 2021 at 7:19 p.m. | UPDATED: May 6, 2021 at 9:18 p.m.
The baseball gods must’ve been crying on Thursday afternoon, as the Red Sox and Tigers wrapped up a three-game series that was one of the ugliest displays of the sport we’ve seen this year.
There were six errors in the game, 12 in the series, and the Sox won the finale, 12-8, thanks to a routine dribbler to third base.
A slow, bouncing ball that could’ve been fielded cleanly by anyone with a few weeks of baseball experience was bobbled by Jeimer Candelario for his second error of the game as the go-ahead run crossed home plate.
But that wasn’t even the weirdest thing about this game.
How about pulling your hulking, 6-foot-4, 227-pound slugging first baseman with two men on, two outs and your team behind one run so that your catcher could step up to the plate instead?
This isn’t how baseball was intended to be played.
Obviously, Sox manager Alex Cora made the right decision to remove Bobby Dalbec and replace him with Christian Vazquez with the game on the line. Dalbec looks about as lost as a freshman on the first day of high school, while Vazquez is one of the best contact hitters the Red Sox have.
Sure enough, Vazquez delivered a single up the middle to tie the game, then the Sox went ahead on Candelario’s unforgivable mistake.
It ended in a series win for the Red Sox, who narrowly avoided losing two straight series to a pair of last-place teams in the Rangers and Tigers.
There are questions to be asked about why the Red Sox keep lowering themselves to their competition. How can a team that looked impressive against supposed contenders like the Rays, Twins, White Sox and Mets also find themselves playing Little League games against the Rangers and Tigers?
Cora put it simply: “We have to address a lot of stuff. We know that. We’ve been saying that.”
Is there anywhere else to start but first base?
We keep waiting for that one at-bat to save Dalbec from his miserable season and get him on the right path. This is the same guy who hit eight homers in 23 games last year and led the Grapefruit League with seven homers this spring.
He went 0-for-4 on Thursday, left seven men on base and his final moment of the game was walking back toward the dugout with his bat in one hand because the manager had replaced him in favor of the catcher.
If there ever was a time to instill confidence in a struggling rookie, letting him hit for himself in that situation might’ve been it. But what was Cora to do, sacrifice his best chance at winning a baseball game just for Dalbec’s confidence?
“Right now, he’s in one of those stretches where he’s really struggling,” the skipper said.
Cora implied that the decision to pinch-hit for him was so obvious he didn’t need to talk to Dalbec about it after the game.
“We don’t have to talk to him about that,” he said. “It’s just the game dictating what we do. … They all understand how it works. We use everybody.”
Dalbec’s average is now .174 and his OPS is at .507.
Entering the game, the Red Sox ranked 26th in production from first base with a .570 OPS.
This is coming from a position that’s supposed to be one of the premier offensive positions in baseball. Offensive numbers are down this year, but over the last 10 years, first basemen typically have an OPS somewhere between .745 and .815, about 300 points higher than what the Sox are getting from Dalbec.
“Actually, the last swing he took wasn’t that bad,” Cora said, trying to find the silver lining. “You’ve just got to keep working with him. At this level, it’s not that easy. I know that he was very successful last year, but we know that there’s still work to do.”
Marwin Gonzalez has played outstanding defense at every position, but he isn’t the answer at first base either. Michael Chavis is a question mark, but surely couldn’t be this bad. And hey, why not? Let’s take a second to remember that one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, Albert Pujols, is suddenly a free agent and available to play for the league minimum salary after the Angels released him on Thursday.
The Red Sox have options. They don’t need to stick with Dalbec. They simply need to decide whether they’re helping or hurting Dalbec’s confidence and long-term development by letting him continue to look out-matched in the big leagues.
“Honestly, those conversations, we always talk about our players and what’s best for them,” Cora said. “Right now, he’s been playing a lot of first base. He’s been playing a lot. We’re going to keep helping him out to get out of this.
“Obviously people see the slump and they start thinking about the minor leagues, but right now, just keep giving him confidence and giving him at-bats and see where it takes us.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:29:32 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox notebook: Bobby Dalbec’s slump (0-for-27) continues, Xander Bogaerts pays tribute to Albert Pujols; Danny Santana homers during rehab assignment Updated May 06, 2021; Posted May 06, 2021
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
Franchy Cordero’s slump has gotten the bulk of the attention in recent weeks, but Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec is also in an all-time rut. Dalbec, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Thursday’s win, is now hitless in his last 27 at-bats.
As of April 23, Dalbec was hitting .269 with a .718 OPS, but he’s now hitting just .174 with a .507 OPS. Despite his slide, manager Alex Cora doesn’t seem ready to vouch for a demotion to the minors.
“We know there’s still work to do,” Cora said. “Honestly, those conversations… we always talk about our players and what’s best for them. And right now, he has been playing a lot of first base, he has been playing a lot and we’re going to keep helping him out to get out of this. Obviously, people see the slump and they start thinking about the minor leagues but right now, it’s just keep giving him confidence, give him at-bats and see where it takes us.”
On Wednesday, hitting coach Tim Hyers said Dalbec’s struggles stemmed from a combination of pitch selection and his mechanics. The slugger’s rough start to 2021 was unexpected after a torrid spring training in which he hit seven homers in 19 games and posted a 1.165 OPS.
“There have been periods where he has had big swing-and-miss numbers,” Hyers said. “I didn’t see it like this, getting off to the start he’s off to. It’s kind of a shock to me. Coming out of spring training, I felt the swing was going to allow him to put more balls in play. I know he’s working hard to work out a few of the kinks that are causing him to lose some posture and lose some lower-half stability.”
Hyers believes Dalbec’s slump will help him down the road.
“I think he’s got to grow and learn from it,” Hyers said. “I told him last night, when you get out of this, you’re going to look back in your career and you’re going to be able to learn so much through these times going through this storm, going through this time where you are struggling.
“‘You’re going to be able to help some other young players who are going through similar phases in their game and be able to help them and be that (leader),’” Hyers said.
Bogaerts reflects on 1,000th game
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts played in his 1,000th career game Thursday and took a moment to reflect on the milestone afterwards.
“It definitely means a lot,” Bogaerts said. “I know I came a long way form the day I signed. Growing up as a kid just trying to learn how to play the game, be successful and get to the big leagues. Now I have quite some time now and quite some amount of games which is pretty impressive from a little kid just trying to get to the big leagues from Aruba. I’m extremely proud of myself and I’m thankful for everyone who helped me, especially my family, for always being there for support throughout the good and the bad.”
Bogaerts became just the 30th player in Red Sox history to reach 1,000 games with the club but only the 10th to do so before turning 29 years old. He joined Bobby Doerr, Dwight Evans, Harry Hooper, Rico Petrocelli, Jim Rice, George Scott, Reggie Smith, Tris Speaker and Carl Yastrzemski with that feat.
“If you asked me if I would have imagined playing 1,000 games, I would have been like, ‘That’s a lot.’ I definitely will take it. For you to be able to play 1,000 games in an organization, you have to be productive and be a guy who, pretty much, they can rely on. I’m happy with the player I’ve become.”
Bogaerts honors Pujols
Bogaerts also took a moment to acknowledge Albert Pujols, who was designated for assignment by the Angels on Thursday. Bogaerts pointed to Pujols as an inspiration during his minor-league days.
“I remember when I was in (Single-A) Greenville, I used to hit like Pujols,” Bogaerts said. “His batting stance. Obviously, at that time, he was in his prime. He has had such an amazing career. My batting stance was like his for a period of time when I got up to Greenville.
“It’s definitely someone that you look up to,” he continued. “You just want to be the same good as him. It’s just a dream that you have, being as good as him. He has had a tremendous career. It’s sad, what happened over there. I don’t know all the details but that’s definitely real sad.”
Whitlock’s usage may vary
Rule 5 righty Garrett Whitlock pitched on two days rest Wednesday night, the first time he had pitched with fewer than four days rest so far this season. In the first 29 games of the year, Whitlock only threw seven times (14 ⅓ innings).
His role is still evolving, Cora said, but the preference is to have him toss multiple innings at a time.
“The beauty of our season, it seems like every game, we have a chance to win the game,” Cora said. “It gets to the point during the season where it’s a close game and you go to those guys. We feel really good about his stuff and how it plays with certain teams. In a perfect world, whenever Matt pitches, he goes multiple innings. Whenever Garrett pitches, he goes multiple innings and we spread them out. As you know, it’s not a perfect world.”
Whitlock gave up the game-winning, three-run homer to Jeimer Candelario on Wednesday night and was pretty dejected after the game. After starting his big-league career with 13 ⅓ scoreless innings, Whitlock has had two straight bumpy outings, allowing homers in each.
“It’s part of this. It’s part of being a big leaguer. You’re going to have good day and bad days,” Cora said. “He should be okay.”
“It’s baseball,” Whitlock said. “That’s the best thing about it is you always get tomorrow and like I said, I’m just thankful to be here so each time (Cora) gives me the ball, I’m going to go out and give it the best I can and try and help the team win.”
Santana homers for Greenville
Utility man Danny Santana, who is rehabbing his way back form a foot infection at High-A Greenville, was 3-for-4 with a home run Wednesday afternoon as the Drive beat Bowling Green, 7-5, in the first game of a doubleheader. Santana’s third-inning shot came off righty Jacob Lopez.
Orioles up next
The Red Sox will hit the road again starting Friday, when they’ll start their third series of the year against the Orioles. Baltimore swept Boston at Fenway Park on opening weekend but the Red Sox returned the favor a week later at Camden Yards. Here are the pitching probables:
Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET -- LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs. RHP Matt Harvey
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. ET -- RHP Garrett Richards vs. TBA
Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET -- RHP Nick Pivetta vs. RHP Dean Kremer
Monday, 7:05 p.m. ET -- LHP Martín Pérez vs. RHP Jorge López
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:34:58 GMT -5
Red Sox Notes @soxnotes ·
Red Sox starts of at least 5.0 innings:
2020 – 25 (3rd fewest in MLB) 2021 – 25 (T-3rd most in MLB)
When your team isn’t playing its best, it’s natural to feel like you’re the ONLY team struggling. But the Red Sox will go to sleep tonight with the best record in the majors, with Eduardo Rodriguez pitching tomorrow.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:38:18 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 10h 10-10 in the last 20. Going to be interesting finding out if this is what they are, or if this is a team that can play .500 when things at not clicking.
Duran is 0-9, 5 K, BB, CS to start his year
Words can't describe how horrendous the minor league pitching has been on these first three nights back for Red Sox arms. The starters have combined for a 8.76 ERA and 2.26 WHIP (38 IP, 37 ER, 68 H) and the relievers, I'm guessing, may be worse. It's just gasoline and matches.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 2:46:25 GMT -5
Red Sox at Orioles Friday, at 7:05 PM EST Rainy According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 56° F with a 76% chance of rain and 9 MPH wind blowing left to right in Baltimore at 7:05 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 7:35:49 GMT -5
The Dark Knight rises: Ex-Mets ace Matt Harvey continues comeback as Orioles host 1st-place Red Sox Updated 7:58 AM; Today 7:57 AM
By Mike Rosenstein | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Former New York Mets ace Matt Harvey continues his comeback on Friday when the Baltimore Orioles host the first-place Boston Red Sox. Harvey has won his last three starts, pitching at least five innings in each game and giving up three runs or less in each appearance.
This will be the third time Harvey faces the Red Sox this season. His only loss in 2021 came on April 8 vs. Boston, when he gave up a season-high four runs in five innings of work.
Harvey’s best start came on April 26 vs. the New York Yankees, when he pitched a season-high six innings and gave up just one run on three hits.
Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers
Harvey signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles in February after playing in 2020 for the Kansas City Royals, going 0-3 with an 11.57 ERA in seven games.
Harvey was an All-Star with the Mets in 2013 and finished fourth that year in National League Cy Young Award voting. He won a career-best 13 games in 2015, helping the Mets reach the World Series (which they lost to the Royals).
Injuries then derailed the 32-year-old Harvey’s career, with the Mets eventually trading him to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018.
Here’s what you need to know about Harvey’s start tonight at Camden Yards, with game time set for 7:05 p.m. ET:
Boston Red Sox (19-13, first in the AL East) vs. Baltimore Orioles (15-16, fifth in the AL East)
PITCHING PROBABLES
Red Sox: Eduardo Rodriguez (4-0, 4.18 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 31 strikeouts)
Orioles: Matt Harvey (3-1, 4.07 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 22 strikeouts)
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 7:37:43 GMT -5
Comparisons between Rutschman and Wieters keep coming By: Roch Kubatko May 7, 2021 4:15 AM
View Comments
I come to praise Adley Rutschman, not to bury Matt Wieters.
The trick is doing one without the other.
The comparisons between the first-round catchers and their intensely hyped travels through the minors and anticipated major league debuts are as unavoidable as traffic on I-495.
Wieters was dubbed “The baby Jesus,” “Jesus in spikes” and “The switch-hitting Jesus,” when he simply wanted to be known as “Matt.”
Teammates at Georgia Tech called him “God.” Apparently, he didn’t get a vote.
I mean, how many people are given approval rights over their nickname? It’s handed out and you wear it.
The Orioles hadn’t announced their choice with the first overall pick in 2019 and people who assumed they’d take Rutschman began linking the two catchers as if they were Rule 5 selections in spring training. For the position they played, the tremendously high ceilings, the reputations at the plate and behind it, the ability to make scouts drool puddles.
Two stud, can’t-miss prospects capable of lifting an entire organization on their shoulders and carrying it to prominence.
Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Rutschman-Swing-White-ST-jpgDouble-A Bowie manager Buck Britton was asked for his comp during a Zoom call this week and naturally gravitated toward the former Georgia Tech star and fifth overall pick in 2007
“The easy comparison a little bit is Matt Wieters,” he said.
“I think Matt had a different body type than he does. Adley’s a little more athletic behind the plate, but a switch-hitter with power. I think he’s got a chance to stay healthy, too, just the way he’s built. He’s a big, athletic kid, though. He really is super athletic. So I think that would be my comparison, just because I did see a lot of Matt Wieters, and Matt had a pretty good career for the Orioles. I think this kid has a chance to be special.”
The “pretty good career” part jumps off the screen.
Wieters was supposed to be the next Johnny Bench or “Mauer with power,” but he didn’t become a Hall of Famer or three-time batting champion with muscle. He simply put together a really nice stretch with the Orioles, making four All-Star teams and winning back-to-back Gold Gloves. He was really good for a period.
He also batted .256/.318/.421 in eight seasons before moving to the Nationals and Cardinals - he remains on the free agent market with his 35th birthday approaching this month - and owns an 18.3 WAR, per BaseballReference.com. Bench checks in at 75.1 and Mauer at 55.2.
Wieters slashed .230/.303/.355 in 199 games with the Nationals and .212/.274/.399 in 86 games with the Cardinals. In his final season with the Orioles, he batted .243/.302/.409 with 17 doubles and 17 home runs in 464 plate appearances.
He never hit more than 23 home runs in a season, which is fine if you’re Nick Markakis. No one called him the next Hank Aaron.
Wieters played an important role in the Orioles’ rise to contender and the end of their postseason drought. He unfairly gets bashed for not meeting expectations that now seem so unreasonable. But he wasn’t elite and the Orioles need much more from the first overall selection.
The “switch-hitting jeez” also isn’t a label you want to wear.
Rutschman went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in his first Double-A game and I jokingly was going to tweet “Bust!” Except I worried about fans agreeing and piling on - after one game in his first full professional season.
But no pressure, kid.
Starting at first base the following night, Rutschman singled, walked and had an RBI and run scored. He was behind the plate last night and had a home run, two-run double and walk.
My prediction is that Rutschman is going to be so good that failed catching prospects will be called, “Sadly not Adley.”
* The Triple-A Norfolk game notes list their next three starters in Jacksonville as left-handers Keegan Akin tonight, Bruce Zimmermann on Saturday and Alexander Wells on Sunday.
Are southpaws required for a trip south?
The Orioles need a spot starter Saturday night after optioning Zimmermann and could try another bullpen game, depending on its usage tonight.
Baysox left-hander Kevin Smith tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings with five hits, one walk and five strikeouts. The Orioles acquired Smith from the Mets in the Miguel Castro trade.
Single-A Delmarva’s Gunnar Henderson hit his second home run. The Shorebirds are loaded with shortstop prospects and Henderson took his turn as designated hitter.
Single-A Aberdeen’s Kyle Brnovich, part of the Dylan Bundy trade with the Angels, shut out Wilmington on one hit over five innings. He walked none and struck out six.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 7, 2021 7:51:54 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles preview: TV schedule, pitching probables, key stories (May 7-10) Updated 7:43 AM; Today 7:43 AM
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles swept a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park to open the 2021 season. They outscored Boston 18-5.
But then the Red Sox swept a three-game series at Baltimore the next week, outscoring the Orioles 27-16.
The Sox and O’s will meet for four more games at Camden Yards beginning Friday. Boston Red Sox (19-13) vs, Baltimore Orioles (15-16) · Camden Yards · Baltimore, Maryland
SERIES SCHEDULE (and TV information):
Friday, May 7, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN
Saturday, May 8, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN
Sunday, May 9, 1:05 p.m. ET — NESN / MLB Network (out of market)
Monday, May 10, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN
HOW TO WATCH:
Friday, May 7, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN (Channel finder: Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, AT&T U verse, fuboTV and Sling) · Live stream: fuboTV, MLB.tv (out of market)
Saturday, May 8, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN (Channel finder: Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, AT&T U verse, fuboTV and Sling) · Live stream: fuboTV, MLB.tv (out of market)
Sunday. May 9, 1:05 p.m. ET — NESN / MLB Network (Channel finder: Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, AT&T U verse, fuboTV and Sling) · Live stream: fuboTV, MLB.tv (out of market)
Monday, May 10, 7:05 p.m. ET — NESN / MLB Network (Channel finder: Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, AT&T U verse, fuboTV and Sling) · Live stream: fuboTV, MLB.tv (out of market)
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT:
Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA preseason standings projected Baltimore to post 68.6 wins in 2021. But the team is on a 78.5 win pace.
The Orioles offense ranks 27th in OPS (.659), 26th in runs (120), sixth in doubles (50) and 22nd in homers (32).
Baltimore ranks 19th in starter ERA (4.44) and seventh in reliever ERA (3.35).
PITCHING PROBABLES:
Friday, 7:05 p.m. — LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-0, 4.18) vs. RHP Matt Harvey (3-1, 4.06)
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. — RHP Garrett Richards (1-2, 4.40) vs. TBA
Sunday, 1:05 p.m. — RHP Nick Pivetta (4-0, 3.23) vs. RHP Dean Kremer (0-2, 6.43)
Monday, 7:05 p.m. — LHP Martín Pérez (0-2, 4.40) vs. RHP Jorge López (1-3, 6.49)
THREE SOX TO WATCH:
Franchy Cordero
Cordero snapped a 0-for-25 slump with three hits, including an RBI double, Thursday. “Hopefully, tomorrow he’s back in the lineup and he does the same thing,” Xander Bogaerts said. The Red Sox are facing a righty Friday and so Cordero likely will be in the lineup.
Eduardo Rodriguez
Rodriguez’s velocity has been down this year. He has averaged 91.9 mph with his four-seam fastball compared to 93.0 mph in 2019 (Baseball Savant). His two-seam fastball is at about the same average velocity (92.7 mph in 2021, 92.9 mph in 2019).
Bobby Dalbec
- Dalbec is in the midst of a 0-for-27 slump. He is 11-for-32 (.344) with a homer, triple and two doubles against left-handed hitters. But the right-handed hitter is only 4-for-54 (.074) with two doubles against right-handed pitchers. He had a .245/.375/.528/.903 line against righties last year.
SERIES NOTES:
The Red Sox are not expected to face Baltimore ace John Means, who threw a no-hitter Wednesday. Cedric Mullins has been Baltimore’s top hitter. He’s batting .320 with a .378 on-base percentage, .525 slugging percentage, .902 OPS, five homers, 10 doubles, 11 RBIs and 16 runs in 31 games. Rafael Devers is 33-for-108 (.306 batting average) with a .375 on-base percentage, .565 slugging percentage, .940 OPS, eight homers, two doubles, one triple, 20 RBIs and 17 runs in 26 games at Camden Yards. The Red Sox lead the major leagues with 13 come-from-behind victories. Xander Bogaerts is batting .387 (41-for-106) with a 1.086 OPS, six homers, 10 doubles and 18 RBIs in his past 27 games. Alex Verdugo has reached base safely in 24 straight games, the longest streak in the big leagues this season. It’s also the longest on-base streak of Verdugo’s career. J.D. Martinez went 6-for-11 with three homers, one double and five RBIs in two games at Baltimore in April.
UP NEXT:
The Red Sox will return home to an increased capacity (25%) at Fenway Park and welcome the Athletics and Angels for three games apiece.
Tue. 5/11 - Thu. 5/13: vs. Athletics (3)
Fri. 5/14 - Sun. 5/16: vs. Angels (3)
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