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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:44:39 GMT -5
Red Sox offense sputters again vs. Oakland in matchup of division leaders, losing skid now three games By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 12, 2021, 10:15 p.m.
For so much of the season’s first five weeks, the Red Sox offense seemed imbalanced but nearly slump-proof. While the team got next to nothing from the bottom of the order, the second through fifth spots in the lineup — occupied by Alex Verdugo, J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers — represented an often insurmountable obstacle for opposing pitchers.
Yet as the Red Sox zoomed to the top of the standings, an unasked question loomed beneath the surface: What might happen if the Fearsome Foursome faltered?
Now, the question has been asked — and the Sox have found the answer disconcerting. On Wednesday night, with the heart of the order failing to capitalize on tantalizing opportunities, the Red Sox continued their offensive skid in a 4-1 loss to the A’s at Fenway.
The Sox have lost three straight, totaling four runs in those contests. The team’s Core Four is 7-for-41 with a .171/.244/.293 line and three extra-base hits during those contests, while the team as a whole is hitting .141/.198/.239 with 32 strikeouts in 101 plate appearances over the three-game rut.
“Obviously we’re just going through a rough stretch right now,” Bogaerts said. “We’re in a slump right now as a team.”
The Sox had an opportunity to escape their slide almost from the first pitch of the game against A’s rookie James Kaprielian, who appeared jittery at the outset of his first big league start. Three batters and 15 pitches into the bottom of the first, the Sox had loaded the bases with no outs on a Marwin Gonzalez double, Verdugo walk, and Martinez single.
Yet Kaprielian regained his composure and got Bogaerts (strikeout on a slider out of the zone) and Devers (pop-up to first on a fastball on the inside corner) to chase his pitches. Though Christian Vázquez accepted a four-pitch walk to force in a run, the 1-0 advantage felt like a squandered opportunity — particularly given that, on average, teams that load the bases with no outs score more than two runs in an inning.
“When the big boys are not swinging the bats the other guys have to contribute, too,” manager Alex Cora said. “We know they’re going to go through their up and downs, and that’s part of this, but other guys have to pick it up.”
The A’s likewise proved inefficient early in the game, as they managed just one game-tying run in the top of the second despite three straight hits that included a pair of doubles — thanks in part to a brilliant play by right fielder Hunter Renfroe.
Matt Chapman crunched an Eduardo Rodriguez fastball off the fence in center, with the carom carrying past Verdugo in center. Chapman sniffed a triple, but Renfroe raced to back up his teammate and uncorked a one-hop throw to third to cut down Chapman for the second out of the inning. That out proved significant, as the A’s followed with a single and Sean Murphy RBI double — hits that netted one run instead of at least two.
The exchange of fumbles permitted both starters to settle into the middle of the game. Kaprielian found his footing, retiring nine of 11 from the second through fourth, and Rodriguez — who threw two- or four-seam fastballs a season-high 61 percent of the time while working at 91-94 m.p.h. — tore through the A’s lineup while striking out six of the nine batters following Murphy’s double.
“I finally had the feeling that I’m back with my fastball velocity,” Rodriguez said. “That’s big progress for me.”
But Rodriguez faltered in the fifth. Ex-Sox stalwart Mitch Moreland cued a cutter off the end of the bat for a dribbler that snuck inside the third base line, then jogged to third when Elvis Andrus nearly left the building, pounding a double off the fence in center.
After a strikeout, Jed Lowrie’s RBI grounder gave Oakland a 2-1 advantage. The A’s stretched the lead to 3-1 when Andrus distracted Rodriguez by dancing down the third base line, inciting a run-scoring balk. Related: Abraham: For Red Sox players, hesitancy on vaccinations could be a disadvantage on and off the field
The Sox immediately had a chance to return serve against Kaprielian in the bottom of the fifth, and again failed to capitalize. With runners on the corners and no outs, Martinez tapped a comebacker on which Marwin Gonzalez broke but then hesitated before getting thrown out at the plate. (“If he keeps going he’s probably safe,” Cora said.)
Kaprielian (1-0) then reasserted himself, blowing a 94 m.p.h. fastball past Bogaerts and getting Devers to chase a pitch in the dirt — the fifth and sixth strikeouts of the night for the 27-year-old A’s rookie, who allowed one run on four hits and three walks in five innings.
“I really love those moments. Those are the moments that I think great pitchers are able to come out of,” Kaprielian said. “The crowd going, chanting for the Red Sox — I love that . . . That’s almost putting me at my best.”
With the Sox still stunned by their inability to score, the A’s quickly delivered another punch in the sixth. Matt Olson attacked the first pitch of the inning, launching a Rodriguez two-seamer into the right field grandstand for a solo homer, his eighth of the season.
Though Rodriguez (5-1, 4.15) struck out a season-high nine over six innings, his yield of four runs matched a season high. In three May starts, opponents are tagging him at a .338/386/.523 clip.
Still, on a different night, four runs would have given the Sox a chance. Wednesday, however, offered no bailouts.
Instead, the Sox mounted then flubbed one more chance in the eighth, failing to score after putting runners on second and third with one out. They went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position on the night and are now 1 for 18 with eight strikeouts in such situations over the last three games.
In the process, their lead in the AL East dwindled to a single game over the Yankees, and their record at Fenway fell to 10-11.
“Things are going to come around,” Bogaerts said. “You can’t keep a good guy down for too long. We’re going to bounce back.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:49:42 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Ex-Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland touched by warm reception upon return to Fenway By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated May 12, 2021, 8:20 p.m.
Mitch Moreland spent 3½ seasons in Boston, yet the duration seemed considerably longer.
The 35-year-old emerged not just as a productive regular for the Sox — hitting .251/.332/.471 with 64 home runs in 386 games, while also delivering a pivotal pinch-hit homer in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series — but also as a clubhouse leader whom many players viewed as a mentor who contributed to their growth.
That legacy was recognized Tuesday night, when Moreland — who was traded by the Sox to the Padres last August for prospects Jeisson Rosario and Hudson Potts — returned to Fenway Park as a member of the A’s.
When Moreland approached the plate for his first at-bat, catcher Christian Vázquez called time so that he and other players in the Red Sox dugout could applaud.
“Those guys, they’re still close friends and great teammates,” Moreland said before Wednesday night’s 4-1 Oakland victory over the Red Sox. “For Vazqy to do that, to look around and see the other guys following his lead on that, was special. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Moreland also expressed his gratitude for the sustained ovation of the crowd at Fenway.
“I’m humbled by it. It’s a great fan base,” Moreland said. “It’s a special place to play baseball. I was fortunate enough to play here and enjoy that from the home side. It’s still fun being here as a visitor as well.” Pivetta on COVID-19 list
Righthander Nick Pivetta was placed on the COVID-19-related injured list with side effects from his vaccination.
“Not feeling great after his second shot,” manager Alex Cora said. “Hopefully he’ll be OK for his next start.” Related: Red Sox offense sputters again vs. Oakland in matchup of division leaders, losing skid now three games
Pivetta (5-0, 3.19 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday against the Angels at Fenway. The Sox are hopeful that he’ll be ready to return by then but will monitor his progress. If he’s unavailable, Cora suggested that Garrett Whitlock or Matt Andriese would be candidates to start.
To fill Pivetta’s roster spot, the Sox called up righthander Eduard Bazardo from Triple-A Worcester. Bazardo tossed two scoreless innings, striking out two. Santana keeps moving up
After three games with Greenville, super-utility player Danny Santana — who signed a minor league deal with the Sox in spring training — joined Worcester, batting second and playing third base Wednesday night.
Santana, who underwent modified Tommy John surgery last season and then was slowed in spring training by a foot infection, has played second, short, third, and center in his four games this season.
“This is a guy that had a great season two years ago,” Cora said of Santana, who hit .283/.324/.534 with 28 homers in 2019. “Last year he was hurt. He needs to play, that’s the most important thing. Just because he’s [in Worcester], it doesn’t mean he’s that close to being added here, or he’s going to be part of this. But the fact that he’s with the organization is very important.” Cora’s memorable at-bat
Wednesday marked the 17th anniversary of Cora’s epic 18-pitch at-bat against then-Cubs righthander Matt Clement — a plate appearance in which Cora got ahead, 2-1, then fouled off 14 consecutive pitches.
Cora noted with amusement that when he stepped to the plate in that game, Dodgers broadcasting legend Vin Scully noted he was 0-for-2 with a pair of flyouts, calling flyballs from the power-deficient Cora as wasted at-bats. Eighteen pitches later, after Cora crossed the plate, Scully described it as “one of the finest at-bats I’ve ever seen.”
“If you look for something in your career that represents who you are, that’s probably the moment,” Cora said. “Grind and try to hit with a plan and the home run was the icing on the cake, but to stick to the plan and be able to do that was amazing.” Struggling Dalbec sits
For the second consecutive night, Michael Chavis started at first base while Bobby Dalbec sat. Over his previous 14 games entering the night, Dalbec was hitting .102/.137/.245 with one walk and 16 strikeouts in 51 plate appearances. For the season, he’s 0 for 18 with 14 strikeouts against fastballs registering 93 m.p.h. or better from righthanders, playing into the decision to sit him against A’s starter James Kaprielian . . . Injuries continue to befall top Red Sox pitching prospects. Lefthander Jay Groome left Tuesday’s start for High-A Greenville after getting hit by a liner off the shin. The issue has been diagnosed as a bruise and the 22-year-old is considered day-to-day. Triple-A Worcester righthander Connor Seabold, who is on the injured list with elbow inflammation, will start throwing in Fort Myers once he completes his travel/intake protocols . . . Cora said he would like both Kiké Hernández (hamstring) and Christian Arroyo (hand) to receive brief rehab assignments before they’re activated from the injured list, but both remain on track to return at or near the 10-day mark of their stints on the sidelines. “It seems like both of them should be with us sooner rather than later,” Cora said.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:51:30 GMT -5
Red Sox place starting pitcher Nick Pivetta on COVID-19 Related Injured List By Staff and wire reportsUpdated May 12, 2021, 6:59 p.m.
The Red Sox announced Wednesday that righthander Nick Pivetta has been placed on the COVID-19 Related Injured List because of side effects from his vaccination.
The 28-year-old Pivetta is 5-0 with a 3.19 ERA and .190 opponent batting average — both the best on the team among qualified pitchers — over seven starts this year. Heading into Wednesday’s action, he’s tied for the American League lead in wins.
To fill Pivetta’s spot, the club recalled righthanded pitcher Eduard Bazardo from Triple-A Worcester.
Bazardo, 25, is making his second appearance on the Red Sox’ major league roster this season. He made his big league debut April 14 when he served as the team’s 27th man for a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:54:38 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Misguided aggression there from Xander Bogaerts. His run means nothing. His out at the plate ends the 8th.
The #RedSox haven't been sharp at all in this one.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:56:29 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Alex Cora joins us postgame on Zoom. #RedSox
Cora on Nick Pivetta (COVID-19 IL) -- 'Hopefully he can be okay for his next start.' #RedSox
Cora said they will decide on a Friday starter after Thursday's game. They're hopeful to have Pivetta but could use Whitlock or Andriese if necessary. #RedSox
Cora -- 'We haven't been able to do too much.'
'We know we're a good offense. When the big boys are not swinging the bat, the other guys have to contribute too.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:57:13 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Cora on Eduardo Rodriguez -- 'The balk, that inning, it looked like we were going to limit the damage.'
'Overall, a lot better than the last three.'
'Besides the loss, he was a lot better than the last three.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 2:59:11 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Replying to @billkoch25 Bogaerts on the Renfroe throw to third -- 'That was awesome, man. I think Mookie made one in Tampa a couple years back -- it kind of reminded me of that.' #RedSox
Bogaerts -- 'We're in a slump right now as a team. Some guys are getting their hits and some guys are not.'
'That first inning, I kind of messed up the whole game.' #RedSox
Bogaerts on his baserunning mistake in the 8th -- 'I messed up in the first and I messed up there also.' #RedSox
Bogaerts -- 'It's eight more innings. We can do it again. We know what type of offense we have.'
'It's just that now we don't have much going on.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:00:51 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Rodriguez on the Renfroe throw to third -- 'Plays like that, they're really good to enjoy -- especially when you're the guy on the mound.' #RedSox
Rodriguez said he felt good in the bullpen and took that to the mound with him. Wasn't surprised he had better velocity tonight. #RedSox
Rodriguez said he made a mistake on the Olson home run, but that wasn't what bothered him most.
'I feel more upset about the balk. That's the one that really got me today.' #RedSox
Rodriguez on the balk -- 'I flinched. You guys saw it right away.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:02:40 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 6h Since the state allowed the Sox to get to 25 percent at Fenway, they've had 9,264 and 9,272.
Sox haven't given them much to cheer about. But the atmosphere at Fenway is much improved.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:07:46 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 6h Red Sox tonight with runners on third and fewer than two outs: 0-for-5, double play, K. Credit the A's pitchers (esp. Kaprielian in his first big league start) with pitching to their spots and refusing to give the Red Sox anything to hit hard, but bad night for Sox hitters.
Alex Cora, on Red Sox offensive slump, suggests the 2-5 won't carry the lineup all year. "Other guys have to pick it up."
Xander Bogaerts: "We're just in a slump right now as a team. ... We have to do a better job with guys on base, starting with me."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:09:39 GMT -5
Hunter Renfroe’s incredible throw reminds Red Sox teammates of Mookie Betts
By Steve Hewitt | stephen.hewitt@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald May 13, 2021 at 12:44 a.m.
Hunter Renfroe is no Mookie Betts, but on Wednesday night, the Red Sox right fielder made a play that reminded some of Boston’s former superstar.
With one out in the top of the second, Renfroe made the play of the night. Matt Chapman blasted a pitch from Eduardo Rodriguez over Alex Verdugo’s head in center and looked destined for a triple. But the ball bounced off the wall and rolled to Renfroe, who fired a perfect missile on one hop to third, where Rafael Devers applied the tag on Chapman.
Hunter Renthrow 😱 pic.twitter.com/UbzXphiUgj
— MLB (@mlb) May 12, 2021
Xander Bogaerts was supposed to be the cutoff man, but the incredible throw sailed past him. It reminded the shortstop of the play Betts made at Tropicana Field late in the 2019 season, when the former outfielder made a throw from the right-field corner on the warning track to third base without needing a bounce.
“It kind of reminded me a little of that throw, from how far and how accurate,” Bogaerts said. “Obviously JBJ (Jackie Bradley Jr.) made some great players out there, but that was pretty much one that Mookie came into my mind when I saw that play.”
Rodriguez was backing up third on the throw, and pointed to Renfroe with his glove in appreciation after the play. It also reminded the pitcher of Betts.
“I had a guy like that before here that impressed me a lot but I think Renfroe surprised me more because I’ve never seen him play,” Rodriguez said. “I think I faced him in San Diego but I never saw him throwing like that. Every time he’s doing something back there, it seems like he just does something special. …
“Those plays like that, they’re really good to enjoy, especially when you are the guy on the mound.”
The play came as no surprise to Alex Cora, who’s been singing the praises of Renfroe’s underrated defense since spring training. The right fielder, who signed a one-year deal in December, is living up to his manager’s hype. He’s leading all right fielders in defensive runs saved this season, according to FanGraphs.
Cora was especially impressed with Renfroe’s awareness to back up Verdugo, which allowed him to have a shot at the play.
“That’s what he does,” Cora said. “We’ve been talking about his defense since Day 1 in spring training and he finds a way to be where he’s supposed to be. He’s very responsible. It starts in batting practice with his preparation. He saw the play, he got there in time, I saw his throw and I was like, ‘There’s a good chance he’s going to be out.’ He is that good in the outfield.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:11:51 GMT -5
Steve Perrault @steve_Perrault · 5h Since the Red Sox won the World Series in 2018 they are 59-74 at home and 71-56 on the road. Riddle me that.
Lou Merloni @loumerloni · 5h Last year and a half is tough to judge. What makes Fenway a home field advantage is 38K screaming every night. Ask any visiting player
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:14:13 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts ‘tried to do too much’ when thrown out at home plate in 8th inning: ‘We’re in a slump right now as a team’ Updated 2:13 AM; Today 1:37 AM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- With the Red Sox trailing, 4-1, to the Athletics in the eighth inning Wednesday night, Xander Bogaerts made a costly baserunning mistake that all but ended Boston’s chances of a comeback.
With one out and two men in scoring position, Christian Vázquez hit a sharp liner toward second base that bounced before Jed Lowrie threw him out at first base. Realizing the ball had hit the ground, Bogaerts ran home -- despite it not being a force play -- and was cut down at the plate by first baseman Matt Olson for an inning-ending double play.
The eighth inning was the third time on the night the Red Sox had at least two runners on base -- and one on third -- with less than two outs. Despite those chances, Boston plated only one run and lost its third straight game.
Bogaerts’ blunder was arguably the most costly.
“Trying to do too much in that situation,” said manager Alex Cora. “He froze on the line drive, went back and saw the throw to first and he took off. The effort was great, but obviously, in that situation — second and third — you stay there. He’s such a good baserunner. He thought, getting the run right there, he had it. But it’s a gamble in that situation.”
Bogaerts said he wasn’t going on contact and was unsure if the ball was going to bounce or not. Once the umpire gave the signal that it has bounced, he made ill-fated call to run home.
“It was just a little bit too late,” Bogaerts said. “I definitely would play it differently next time. I wish I didn’t (go).”
Bogaerts was not the first Red Sox runner to be thrown out at home plate, as Marwin Gonzalez had been thrown out trying to score for the first out of the fifth. That helped the Red Sox squander a chance with runners on the corners and no outs while trailing, 3-1.
“Marwin had a good jump but then he hesitated,” Cora said. “I think if he keeps going, he’s probably safe.”
The Red Sox had just five hits against starter James Kaprielian and the Athletics, posting one more hit than they did in each of their previous two games. They left eight men on base. During their three-game losing streak, Boston has scored only four runs on 13 hits.
“We haven’t been able to do too much,” Cora said. “We had bases loaded, two outs and we had that kid on the ropes. We only scored one. Double digits in strikeouts again. We didn’t do much. He settled down and started mixing up his slider. The bullpen is that solid, but we know we’re a good offense. When the big boys aren’t swinging the bat, the other guys have to contribute, too.”
Bogaerts was 0-for-3 with a walk, striking out with the bases loaded and no outs in the first before costing the team again seven innings later.
“We’re in a slump right now as a team,” he said. “We have some guys who are getting their hits and some guys that aren’t. As I said the other day, it’s kind of hard to have nine guys clicking at the same time. We have to do a better job of putting the ball in play when there’s guys on base.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:15:43 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox notebook: J.D. Martinez calls vaccination a ‘personal decision,’ club not yet at 85% threshold; Eduardo Rodriguez shows signs of life vs. A’s Updated 2:00 AM; Today 1:38 AM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- The Red Sox have still not reached the 85% threshold of vaccinated players and coaches required for the league to relax COVID-19 protocols, and it’s unclear if they will ever get there. Asked before Wednesday’s game if he had been vaccinated, designated hitter J.D. Martinez declined to answer, calling the decision “one of those personal things” to him.
“Everyone has the right to their body and what they do,” Martinez said. “It’s a crazy time we’re living in and I think I understand that. It’s one of those things, if you want to do it, do it, and if you don’t, then don’t do it. It’s bigger than the game, you know what I mean? It’s your life. It’s bigger than baseball.”
Red Sox players who elected to be vaccinated started receiving shots on April 19 after the club’s Patriots’ Day win over the White Sox. In the last few weeks, the vaccination process has continued, with many players electing to get shots. If the team gets to 85%, players and coaches will no longer be required to wear masks in the dugout and be allowed -- under MLB rules -- to do more activities, such as dining inside and playing card games on team flights.
Many teams across baseball have already reached 85%, including the Yankees, who were allowed to play Tuesday’s game despite at least two coaches registering “breakthrough” positives for COVID-19. There’s a clear competitive advantage for teams who reach the 85% mark; teams under it likely would not be allowed to play under similar circumstances.
“They’ve mentioned it to us but that’s not a team decision,” Martinez said. “That’s a personal decision. To each his own. Everybody has the right to believe and to think what they want to think about their body and what they’re putting into their body. Obviously, it’s one of those things where it would be nice to have that kind of advantage but it is what it is.”
Manager Alex Cora has already gotten two doses of the vaccine and has recommended that his players follow suit. Throughout the process, the Red Sox have stressed that the decision is a personal one.
“We’re closer,” Cora said. “We’re closer than probably 10 days ago,” Cora said. “I don’t know how close to 85%, but we are closer.”
Rodriguez better despite loss
Though Eduardo Rodriguez took his first loss of the season Wednesday night, he still showed some signs of progress. He struck out nine in six innings against the A’s, allowing four runs on seven hits.
Save for two mistakes -- a balk that forced in a run in the fifth and a missed location on a crushed Matt Olson solo home run an inning later -- Rodriguez felt good about his outing. His fastball velocity was up from his last start, as he averaged 92.3 mph and maxed out at 94 mph. On Friday in Baltimore, his average sat at 91.6 mph with the hardest pitch coming in at 92.8 mph.
“I felt really good today,” Rodriguez said. “I would say, for the first time in all the starts I’ve had, I really felt I had the fastball back. Felt really strong to throw it. You guys saw I throw it today. That’s some big progress for me.”
Rodriguez relied on a changeup-heavy attack in Baltimore and threw his fastball just 19 times in 91 pitches (21%) over seven innings. Against the A’s, he threw it 43% of the time (43 of 99 pitches) and generated 29 strikes.
“Overall, a lot better than the last two, maybe three,” Cora said. “(Velocity) was good, changeup was good. They did a good job staying back but then he was able to expand up. I know the numbers don’t look that well, but one walk, (nine) strikeouts, the velocity was up. Besides the loss, I think he was a lot better than the last three.”
Sawamura showing signs
Cora was particularly impressed with the performance of reliever Hirokazu Sawamura on Tuesday night, as the righty struck out four while allowing only two hits in two scoreless innings. Overall, Cora said, he feels that Sawamura has been solid despite allowing four homers in 16 ⅓ innings.
Those four homers account for four of the 14 hits against Sawamura this season, skewing an otherwise strong stat line. Sawamura has issued just five walks while striking out 21 batters and hasn’t walked anyone since April 18; his ERA sits at 3.77 while his ERA+ is at 134 (league average is 100).
“I think the (splitter) is playing now better than early in the season or in spring training,” Cora said. “The fastball, obviously we’ve been talking about it. There has been some damage on fastballs down in the zone. Overall, he has been solid. You look at the numbers at the end of the day, he has been good. There’s a few home runs here and there. If we’re fair to him and see the whole package… he’s a rookie at this level regardless of the age. He has done a good job with us.
“I think yesterday was his best split,” Cora said. “He got some swings and misses. He has been actually really good against lefties. Struggled with command sometimes. But overall, but he has been really good.”
Back end of bullpen still fluid
Darwinzon Hernandez’s struggles caused Cora to declare that the club is “still searching” for a perfect back-end bullpen structure after Tuesday’s loss. Cora previously identified Hernandez, Adam Ottavino and Matt Barnes as his top three options in the final three innings but isn’t committed to that trio.
Specifically, Cora said he didn’t believe he needed a lefty to pitch the seventh or eighth inning ahead of Barnes.
“We did it (2018) with Joe (Kelly), (Barnes) and Craig (Kimbrel),” Cora said. “There are righties who can get lefties out. We use the people who are getting people out. We do believe our guys can get lefties and righties out regardless of who they are.
Sawamura, Garrett Whitlock and Matt Andriese appear to be candidates for increased roles and could potentially appear in the seventh or eighth inning if Hernandez continues to be inconsistent. Cora has previously expressed a desire to ease Sawamura into leverage situations in his first big-league season but might be willing to push him a little more now that he has seen six weeks of big-league action.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to get outs,” Cora said. “You don’t need a lefty to quote-unquote survive at this level.”
Martinez mum on impacts of new ball
Martinez, who is tied for second in the majors with 10 homers this season, played coy when he asked if he thought the new baseball -- which is a little lighter and less tense than the balls used in 2020 -- had impacted fly balls so far in 2021.
“I’ve had occasions this year where I’ve thought hit the ball a lot better and it two-hops the wall. And then there’s sometimes I’ve hit the ball really good and it goes out of the ballpark. So, I don’t know,” he said. “The pitchers have complained about it for so long that I wouldn’t be surprised that MLB tried to just silence them a little bit by changing the ball up or anything. I don’t know. I can’t say here and say yes or no. I try to stay out of it. I plead the fifth.”
Casas homers; Santana has 2 hits
Red Sox top prospect Triston Casas crushed his first Double-A homer on Wednesday night, hitting a solo shot off Rockies minor-league pitcher Will Gaddis in the sixth inning of Portland’s 14-3 win. Casas hit 20 homers in 120 games split between Single-A and High-A in 2019.
Infielder/outfielder Danny Santana was 2-for-5 with an RBI for the WooSox in his Triple-A debut. Santana spent three games on a rehab assignment with High-A Greenville before being sent up to Worcester.
Richards tasked with avoiding sweep
Right-hander Garrett Richards will take the ball in Thursday night’s series finale against the A’s as the Red Sox try to avoid being swept for the first time since opening weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. with lefty Sean Manaea -- who no-hit the Red Sox in 2018 -- scheduled to start for Oakland.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on May 13, 2021 3:19:00 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 5h Vazquez first 25 plate appearances: .478 BA, OPS over 1.300
Vazquez last 100 plate appearances: .204 BA, OPS under .500
Overall: .259 BA, .666 OPS
Everyone not named Verdugo while playing the outfield this season: 325 PA, .213/.259/.342
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