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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:34:32 GMT -5
Red Sox notebook Alex Cora appreciates the cost of new MLB penalties By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated June 16, 2021, 12:03 a.m.
Major League Baseball is cracking down on the sticky stuff.
MLB announced a new guidance Tuesday prohibiting the use of foreign substances on baseballs, a rule that will go into effect Monday. Suspensions under Rule 3.01 are 10 games and repeat offenders will be subject to progressive discipline.
“I think this is one of those topics right now that is loud,” manager Alex Cora said before the Sox’ two-game series in Atlanta. “Everybody’s talking about it, but hopefully, after a week or two weeks we can only talk about the game.”
Cora said he had a meeting with Mike Hill, who is MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, and Theo Epstein, who serves as an MLB consultant. Pitchers are also prohibited from using sunscreen as a way to get grip. Hill explained to managers that there is no gray area.
Cora said he was surprised by some of the rules, but also acknowledged that the league has the information needed in order to make such a decision.
“This is something that obviously, we know, that has been going on for a while,” Cora said. “But for them to do it this way, they were very clear. You know that? Understanding that, we got to keep moving forward. And if guys have to make adjustments throughout the league, they will make adjustments.”
Cora knows what it feels like to be out of baseball. After serving a one-year suspension as a result of his involvement in the Astros’ cheating scandal, he understands that the rules are what they are, and there is no sense in trying to bend them.
“I’ll be open about it: I come from a suspension,” Cora said. “And I know how embarrassing that is and how tough that is, not only on you as a person, but your family, your friends, and the people that love you. Ten games, a year, two years, three years — it doesn’t matter. Being suspended is hell and you don’t want to go through that.”
Welcome home, Garrett
Garrett Whitlock is back home. The Georgia native grew up a Braves fan. Whenever Chipper Jones or Javy Lopez hit a home run, he would run around his living room. On Tuesday, he had a chance to pitch at Atlanta’s Truist Park.
“It’s really cool,” Whitlock said before the Sox’ 10-8 win. “I have a lot of family here. I have a lot of friends coming back. I grew up going to Turner Field all the time. So it’s a dream come true to be able to play on this field and everything so it’s quite a remarkable day for me.”
Whitlock tossed a scoreless fifth inning. In the sixth, Whitlock recorded his first major league hit with a single to left. In the bottom of the frame, however, Whitlock ran into some trouble and didn’t get much help from his defense. The inning included a Kiké Hernández error on what possibly could have been a double play following a Whitlock walk to Abraham Almonte. It led to three Braves runs, one of which was earned.
With a 1.95 ERA in 32⅔ innings, he’s become a key part of the Red Sox bullpen. Cora raved about his reliever and had hoped to get him into a game in front of his family and friends.
“He’s just a perfect citizen,” Cora said. “It’s cool that he’s here playing against the Braves. Hopefully he can have a blast out there. It seems like he keeps getting better. He keeps working on his craft, adding pitches, using his fastball in certain spots. He’s been great.”
Whitlock’s first career single, Cora said afterward, was a fun moment to watch and how in this short period of time he’s been in the big leagues, his reliever has had a flair for the dramatic.
“He’s done an amazing job,” Cora said. “His first win in Yankee Stadium, and then he came here. We gave him the bunt, and it didn’t look good. I was like, ‘You know what, just let him swing, just in case. I don’t want him to bunt and [then if] he gets hit [by a pitch] and we lose him.” Benintendi on the mend
Former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi was put on the IL by the Royals with a rib cage fracture, so he won’t face the Red Sox this weekend in Kansas City . . . Red Sox lefthander Chris Sale threw an up-and-down session at Worcester’s Polar Park. He threw 25 pitches his first time around and then 10. “He keeps feeling better,” Cora said. “And the thing about being a big leaguer is very important to him and little by little he’s becoming a big leaguer, again.” . . . Rays starter Tyler Glasnow went on the injured list with a partially torn UCL and flexor strain. “This is one of the best pitchers in the big leagues,” Cora said. “What he’s done is incredible. So, obviously, it’s a big hit for them. But, obviously, for the game.” The Red Sox will play three in Tampa next week.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:38:28 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6h Quite possibly the worst walk of the season to date issued there by Eduardo Rodriguez. Simply can't happen with Ronald Acuna on deck as the tying run. #RedSox
Eduardo Rodriguez can't find it. ERA is up to 6.21 -- started the night at 6.03
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:39:57 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6h Alex Cora isn't wasting any time. Garrett Whitlock has the 5th with a 7-4 lead.
Eduardo Rodriguez lifted after 12 outs and 80 pitches. No decision. Threatened to give away a 5-0 lead.
A disaster for the left-hander. He's struggling mightily. #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:41:07 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6h Kiké Hernandez tried to get two outs and wound up with none.
Tried for the highlight, and he's a great glove. Can't really blame him. But with a three-run lead a simple out might have been in order. #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:41:54 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Darwinzon Hernandez loses one up and in. It's 7-6.
Brutal inning from the #RedSox. Pitching and defense have betrayed them.
#RedSox have blown leads of 5-0 and 7-4. They deserve to lose this game as it stands now.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:44:42 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 4h Alex Cora joining us shortly on Zoom. #RedSox
Cora said Gonzalez bunted on his own with two strikes in the 8th. #RedSox
Cora on Verdugo -- 'He's just a good hitter. When he hit it we thought he missed it, but it just kept going.' #RedSox
Cora on walkoff/close wins -- 'I'm not complaining about it. Like I've been saying all along, we need to be better. But the fact they keep playing until they stop the game, it's who we are.' #RedSox
Cora -- 'We're not that great. We just have a good baseball team. We keep getting better.' #RedSox
Cora on Whitlock -- 'We gave him the bunt and it didn't look good. I was like, 'Just let him swing.''
'And he gets a hit.'
'We're very happy with him.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:45:54 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 4h Replying to @billkoch25 Cora -- 'It was an ugly win, but it's a big-league win. We didn't give up.'
'It wasn't pretty. We did a lot of bad things today on the field.' #RedSox
Cora -- 'They all count. It doesn't matter.'
'Now we turn the page and show up tomorrow.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:46:40 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 4h Cora on Rodriguez -- 'He had a five-run lead and you saw what happened.'
'He didn't do his job.' #RedSox
Cora -- 'Right now I don't know.'
'He wasn't able to finish them off in that spot. He needs to be more aggressive in that situation.'
'It wasn't a good one.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:48:06 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 4h Rodriguez -- 'It's been tough the last month and a half. It's go out there, give up runs and go back and forth.'
'I don't feel good at all because I went four innings. I'd prefer to go seven innings with no strikeouts.' #RedSox
Rodriguez -- 'I know these guys can hit. I know these guys are going to hit all the time.'
'I know we're going to come back every time.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 2:49:00 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 4h Verdugo on his homer -- 'Off the bat I knew I hit it well. The ball just kind of kept carrying. Was fortunate enough to get it over the fence.' #RedSox
Verdugo -- 'My swing is more line-drive approach. Occasionally I'll get under a ball or two and drive it out.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 3:10:10 GMT -5
Red Sox @ Braves 16th June 2021 720pm @ Truist Field
Richards 4-4/ 4.09
Has faced the Braves twice in his career, the last being 3 weeks ago where he took a loss allowing 3 runs in 5 2/3IP. After going 4-0 in his first five games, has not won a game since. ( April 27th)
Anderson 4-3/3.26
In his last outing vs the Phillies, he threw 7 shout out innings allowing 4 hits.
Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 7:20pm EDT Written by Chris Kubala
It’s the conclusion of an interleague set on the diamond down in Hotlanta. The Boston Red Sox are on the road as they finish up a short two-game set with the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night. Boston split a four-game series with Toronto at home as they prevailed 2-1 on Monday in the series finale. Atlanta avoided a three-game sweep on the road against the Marlins as they picked up a 6-4 victory Sunday afternoon in their most recent contest. The pitching matchup for Tuesday’s series opener saw Eduardo Rodriguez take the mound for the Red Sox against the Braves’ Tucker Davidson. First pitch from Truist Park was scheduled for 7:20 pm ET.
Boston Red Sox Chasing AL East Lead Boston survived giving up the tying run in the top of the ninth inning Monday as they won in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the frame to earn a four-game split with the Blue Jays. The Red Sox entered Tuesday’s action second in the AL East, three games behind the Rays for the top spot in the division. Boston got two hits each from Marwin Gonzalez, Alex Verdugo (run, RBI) and Rafael Devers (RBI) in the game, with Devers’ RBI single giving the Red Sox the walk-off triumph. Nathan Eovaldi pitched brilliantly, throwing 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing three hits with one walk and four strikeouts, yet ended up with a no-decision. Matt Barnes (3-1) blew the save but earned the win as he threw one inning, allowing one run on one hit with no walks and three strikeouts.
Garrett Richards gets the call for Boston as he makes his 14th start of the year in this contest. He comes in 4-4 with a 4.09 ERA, a 1.592 WHIP, 34 walks and 61 strikeouts over 70.1 innings of action on the year. Richards didn’t factor in the decision in his last outing, which came Friday at home against the Blue Jays. He threw 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on 11 hits with two walks and three strikeouts in a 6-5 Boston victory. In his last three starts, Richards is 0-1 with a 4.96 ERA, a 1.90 WHIP, eight walks and 14 strikeouts over 16.1 innings of work. Richards makes his third career start against the Braves in this contest. He comes in 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA, a 1.457 WHIP, seven walks and 14 strikeouts over 11.2 innings of work against them. Richards, in his 201st career major league appearance and 142nd start, makes his debut outing at Truist Park in this contest.
Atlanta Braves Hoping to Gain Ground in NL East Race Atlanta stopped a four-game skid as they salvaged the finale of their three-game set with the Marlins on the road Sunday. The Braves entered Tuesday third in the NL East chase, 5.5 games behind the Mets for the top spot in the division. Atlanta got three hits from Austin Riley (two runs, three RBI) to lead the way Sunday. Riley (his 12th) and Ender Inciarte (his first) each homered in the victory. Drew Smyly (3-3) earned the win on the mound as he threw five innings, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Will Smith worked the ninth, striking out one, to earn his 12th save of the year.
Ian Anderson is projected to take the mound for his 13th start of the year for the Braves here. He comes in with a 4-3 record, a 3.26 ERA, a 1.176 WHIP, 26 walks and 69 strikeouts over 66.1 innings of work on the year. Anderson didn’t factor in the decision in his last start, which came Thursday on the road against the Phillies. He threw seven innings, allowing no runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts in a game the Braves eventually lost 4-3 in 10 innings. Over his last three starts, Anderson is 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, five walks and 16 strikeouts over 15.1 innings of work. Anderson makes his second career start against the Red Sox in this contest. In his only career start against the Red Sox, which came September 1, 2020 on the road, he threw six innings, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts in a 10-3 Braves victory. Anderson is 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA, a 1.097 WHIP, 18 walks and 55 strikeouts over 48.1 innings in nine career starts at Truist Park.
Red Sox at Braves Wednesday, at 7:20 PM EST Clear According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 84° F with a 0% chance of precipitation and 9 MPH wind blowing left to right in Atlanta at 7:20 PM EST. Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Forecast.io
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 6:34:43 GMT -5
The feel-good Garrett Whitlock moment of the season Current Time 0:08 /
By Rob Bradford 2 hours ago
Sometimes in a Major League Baseball season there are snapshots that help define why players play and fans watch. Three years ago, it was Brandon Phillips dropping out of the sky to single-handedly take over a game in his hometown of Atlanta (and then disappear seemingly just as quickly).
Tuesday night, it was Garrett Whitlock's turn.
The performance from the rookie on paper seemed like one of the more innocuous outings of his young career. Three runs over 1 1/3 innings in what would be a 10-8 win for the Red Sox over the Braves.
But sometimes there is more than just the box score. A parent's love will always be a good reminder of that.
“I’m on cloud nine,” Garrett's father Larry told MLB.com from his left-field seat. “Every time I call him, I ask how he's doing, and his response is, ‘I’m living the dream, Dad, I’m living the dream.’ He’s blessed, and we’re blessed to watch him.”
The Red Sox feel equally as fortunate that the kid who grew up 25 miles from that stadium he played in Tuesday night is wearing their uniform.
Before the game, Red Sox manager Alex Cora heaped praise on Whitlock.
“He’s just a perfect citizen. He’s such a good kid. Very polite,” said Cora. “I bet you guys have that sense when you guys talk to him. He’s kind of like perfect, right? I know it’s cool he’s here playing against the Braves. Hopefully we can get him in and he can have a blast out there.
“It seems like he keeps getting better, he keeps working on his craft, adding pitches, using his fastball in certain spots. He’s been great. I joke around, he’s great in the weight room and even with the beer cooler taking [beers to the plane for veterans]. It’s kind of like ‘this is how we do it’ and we’re very proud of him.”
Then came the feel-good moment.
Top of the sixth. Nobody out. First major league at-bat.
The single was the first hit by a Red Sox pitcher since David Price's base-hit April 6, 2019, a drought that had stretched 31 at-bats.
Judging by the reaction from Whitlock's family and teammates, this one was worth the wait.
Just like the pitcher himself.
“You saw the stuff,” Cora said. “He’s been great. We’re very happy with him. The fact that he can see a lot of his friends, it’s just amazing. From the beginning when we saw him, we knew we had a special one and I’m just glad that he’s pitching for us.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 6:35:30 GMT -5
Alex Verdugo's quest to become a star By Rob Bradford an hour ago
This isn't about Mookie Betts. It's about Alex Verdugo.
That's how far Verdugo has come.
The Red Sox' outfielder who has spent the majority of his career in Boston fending off comparisons to the iconic player he was dealt for has officially made a name for himself.
The latest reminder of Verdugo's newfound lot in life came Tuesday night in Atlanta. He was the one hitting the game-changing three-run home run. He was the center of attention. He was the star.
Verdugo has had his moments, like the one in the Red Sox' 10-8 win. He is hitting .291 (3rd among all American League outfielders) with an .819 OPS (7th) and nine home runs, swinging and missing just 14.2 percent of the time. He has fielded well at all three outfield positions, while serving as one of the Red Sox' better baserunners.
The 25-year-old has become one of the better players at his position in the American League. There is just one more piece of the puzzle left that will truly let him separate from the Betts conversation.
Verdugo wants to be an All-Star.
"For me it’s for sure been a goal," he told WEEI.com. "I think that’s every player in general. It’s one of those things where it’s hard because you think about it. It’s in the back of your mind. But at the end you have a job to come out and play and play hard. You try not to worry about results,. The fact that I’m in the talks of going to the All-Star Game is great. If I did get there and I’m lucky enough to go, it’s just that positive affirmation. You kind of get that recognition that every player kind of wants. We all come out here to play hard and have fun and everything like that, but at the same time you want to have that recognition."
He is in the mix.
Verdugo currently owns the seventh-most votes of any American League outfielder, a status that would allow him to move on to the next round of voting. (The Top 9 get to move on in the process, which could begin June 28.)
It's not as if the kid from Tucson obsessed over each and every All-Star Game, admitting to having never voted for his favorite player as a kid. ("I didn't know how," he said.) And, like many young baseball fans these days, the Home Run Derby was really the priority for Verdugo.
But now, the game takes on another meaning.
For one, it would be a nice punctuation for his comeback from a fairly serious back injury upon his initial introduction into the major leagues.
"Obviously, hurting my back and coming back from that was a hard one," Verdugo reflected. "And 2020 was a weird one as well because of the COVID. It changed a lot of the training and what was available. It has worked. This year it’s been more about managing it. There have been some days because of a little tightness, but it’s just nipping those in the bud and coming back and feeling good again instead of running yourself down."
But, most important, this is about being defined as one of the best.
No more Betts comparisons. No more good-but-not-greats. Just one conversation, that of how Verdugo entered into stardom.
"That’s one of those things where the All-Star Game would be crazy," Verdugo added. "The experience. To have my family out there. It would be super special. It’s kind of crazy because you can dwell on it. It can have multiple effects from it. You can start overthinking and start pressing and try to make your stats where they should be. Or you can just go out there, go out and play the game like you do and let it all unwind. For me, that’s really been it this year. I play the game hard. I play emotionally. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I really care about winning. It’s that simple. I care and I love to compete. I think for me it would be cool to get it because I’m not one of those big home run guys. I do a lot of little things well. I put the ball in play. I hit lefties, righties. I can play some defense. I can run a little bit, steal some bases. It would be cool because every day you go in with a mindset to compete, and that’s not easy because I know some guys who don’t compete as hard. ... It would be awesome."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 10:18:39 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 39m Eduardo Rodriguez has an 8.55 ERA through his last seven starts. The #RedSox bats bailed him out Tuesday night in Atlanta.
The upcoming off days give Boston a chance to skip Rodriguez next time through the rotation. It's something they should consider.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 16, 2021 13:31:48 GMT -5
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 2h The Red Sox took a handful of beatings and are being wildly outscored so it may not feel like it but they are 9 wins and 7 losses through 16 games of this tough 17 in 17 days stretch. A win tonight against Ian Anderson would be a nice cherry on top before the off day.
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