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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:14:47 GMT -5
Primed for stretch run, Red Sox thump O's Strong contributions up and down roster offer hope for Boston ahead of Sale's return 1:04 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- Friday night felt like the true start of the stretch run for the Red Sox.
Kyle Schwarber officially arrived in full health, two weeks after he was acquired in a trade with the Nationals.
Some of the hitters who have struggled while waiting for Schwarber showed signs that better times are ahead.
And the starting pitching -- one day before Chris Sale makes his long-awaited season debut and first start in the Major Leagues in two years -- stayed on its recent roll, with Nick Pivetta leading the charge in Boston’s 8-1 victory over the Orioles at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox won for the second time in the last three games after losing 10 of 12. Here are some encouraging takeaways from Friday.
Rotation turning the right way When the Red Sox got into a rut following the All-Star break, one of the biggest issues was a faltering starting rotation. Of late, that has not been a problem.
Pivetta (9-5, 4.20 ERA) dazzled for the second straight start, allowing three hits and one run while striking out eight over six innings. Over his last two starts, he has allowed one run in 12 innings, walking three and striking out 13.
The key? Fastball command.
“I think it’s just having confidence in it, confidence in myself, knowing my stuff plays every single time I go out and pitch,” Pivetta said. “It’s staying confident in my heater and allowing other pitches to complement that.”
Though the Red Sox are a modest 3-4 in the last seven games, the rotation has thrived over that period, posting a 2.61 ERA with 47 strikeouts and just eight walks in 38 innings.
“I think it’s really important that we continue to build off of each others’ outings, keep it game to game and day to day,” said Pivetta. “It keeps a lot of focus off the other white noise that’s out there. Just focusing on our jobs, putting up zeros, taking some pressure off the offense, I think that’s really important.”
Duran and Dalbec contribute The two rookies who have struggled at the plate both made key contributions on Friday.
Jarren Duran got the Red Sox on the board with an RBI single to right-center in the second, and he added an RBI double to right in the third.
Now 22 games and 74 at-bats into his career, Duran has a line of .216/.234/.351. But with his considerable talent, there’s a chance he’ll be a key player in the coming weeks.
“Every day’s a battle, especially with big league pitching,” said Duran. “Every day you just have to come to work, and I’m just hoping I’m taking steps in the right direction to help benefit the team.”
Bobby Dalbec, who has struggled mightily against righties all season (.189/.245/.354), belted a two-run double off the Monster against righty starter Spenser Watkins. He added a solo shot to center against righty reliever Dusten Knight and a double down the line in left against righty César Valdez.
After smashing eight homers in his first 80 Major League at-bats last season, Dalbec (.229/.281/.422, 12 homers in 301 at-bats) has been grinding to reach his expected level of success in his rookie season. In his last seven games, he’s 9-for-18, and he has reached base in 11 of his last 12 starts.
“I do believe today was his best game overall,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “It’s one of those that, we know that our guys on top of the lineup are going to do the job, but we need other guys to contribute.”
Renfroe with the bat and glove Acquired to be a platoon player in the offseason, Hunter Renfroe continues to thrive as an everyday player for the Sox.
In the top of the fourth, Renfroe raced back to the visitors’ bullpen in right, timed his short leap perfectly and took a home run away from DJ Stewart.
“He works on that stuff whenever we have batting practice out there. As you guys know, he’s one of the best if not the best defensive right fielder in the big leagues, but he takes pride doing that,” Cora said.
With the bat, Renfroe jump-started a four-run rally in the second with a hard single to right and hammered his 20th homer onto the street beyond the Green Monster in the seventh.
“When he started hitting the ball the other way, it’s a lot different. It started against Tampa Bay the other day with the double, and today right away he went the other way,” said Cora. “He demolished that ball today, but I was more pleased with the line drive he hit early in the game.”
Schwarber kept line moving Though Schwarber didn’t get any hits in his Boston debut, he showed off strong plate discipline by walking his first two times up and scoring both times. Considering Schwarber hadn’t played since July 2 and the one rehab game he was supposed to play in got rained out, it was a strong beginning.
“It’s a different at-bat with Kyle,” said Cora. “It’s a more patient approach. Obviously he’s looking to do damage, and hopefully that’s the start of something good. We still don’t know how it’s going to look when everybody is playing, but whether he’s hitting second or fourth or sixth, it’s a quality at-bat, and he protects a lot of guys in the lineup.”
While Schwarber made his presence felt in a subtle way on Friday, the Red Sox will have their first Sale day since 2019 on what should be a rocking Saturday at Fenway.
“It should be fun,” Cora said. “It’s been two years and one day since he has pitched at the big league level. Like I said, obviously we want good results. Obviously, we want to win games. But this is more about the individual and the fact that his family is going to be here. It’s going to be a packed house hopefully tomorrow.
“The K man will probably be out there. It should be great. Looking forward to that, and hopefully it will give us that boost that we’re looking for. Today was cool, but tomorrow, I’m really excited to see this.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:16:18 GMT -5
Schwarber scores 2 in debut; Sale up next 1:30 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
BOSTON -- With 44 games left in the season, the Red Sox are about to see what their team looks like at full strength.
Slugger Kyle Schwarber, the left-handed-hitting veteran acquired on July 29 from the Nationals, was activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday. He went 0-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored while serving as Boston's designated hitter in an 8-1 win over the Orioles.
“It’s a different at-bat with Kyle,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said after the game. “It’s a more patient approach. Obviously he’s looking to do damage, and hopefully that’s the start of something good. We still don’t know how it’s going to look when everybody is playing, but whether he’s hitting second or fourth or sixth, it’s a quality at-bat, and he protects a lot of guys in the lineup.”
Schwarber's debut came one day ahead of lefty ace Chris Sale making his first start for the Red Sox since Aug. 13, 2019.
Reeling of late, with 11 losses in their last 14 games before Friday's win, the Red Sox hope to get a jolt from these two significant reinforcements.
"That's our trading Deadline, right? These might be our trades," said Cora. "We've been talking about this for a while, and now it's right here right in front of us. But at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter. We have to perform. There's a lot of guys in that clubhouse that have struggled the last few weeks, either offensively or defensively, pitching-wise. For us to be a good team, we have to play clean baseball. We have to be better."
To make room for Schwarber on the roster, veteran utilityman Marwin Gonzalez was designated for assignment.
Schwarber was supposed to start a brief Minor League rehab assignment for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, but that game was postponed due to rain.
The decision was made Friday for Schwarber to forgo any Minor League action and come straight to the Red Sox.
How risky is that, considering Schwarber hadn't played in a game since July 2, when he strained his right hamstring while with the Nationals?
"We're about to see," said Cora. "We've seen this guy do other stuff, kind of a similar thing a few years ago, so we trust his judgment. We've seen him taking batting practice. We've done a lot of stuff behind closed doors to get him up to speed with the game, and the goal for him is to get complete at-bats.
"This guy, he controls the strike zone. It's not like he's a wild swinger. Hopefully he can control it, get a few walks, put a few good swings and help us win a ballgame."
When the Red Sox made the trade for Schwarber, there was talk about him learning how to play first base, a position the Red Sox have received limited production at this season.
That still might happen at some point. But the plan for the next week is for Schwarber to DH with J.D. Martinez -- who had the night off on Friday -- playing left field.
Schwarber could play left and first once he starts playing defense.
"We're talking about next week most likely against Texas," said Cora. "The plan is obviously to take care of him. It's one of those that we're going to be smart, and obviously we have to take care of him throughout the process. And not [just] physically, but protect them against lefties and righties, [so] we can play the matchup game. The goal is for him to DH throughout the week and let's see where we're at physically when we get home for the Texas series."
Though the Red Sox might seem to be heavy with options in the corner outfield and DH but light at first base, Cora thinks it will sort itself out.
"As long as we rake, we'll be fine. We'll find a way," said Cora.
While the Fenway faithful embraced Schwarber's debut on Friday, they'll have even more to cheer about on Saturday when Sale is back on the bump for the first time in two years.
"This is not only for the present," Cora said of Sale. "He's a huge part of the future. It's two different situations … and we feel they will contribute this year to help us win the division and get to October."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:26:09 GMT -5
Julian McWilliams @byjulianmack · 3h Jarren Duran: “I know this team grinds and this team is a family. We’re going to come together and we're gonna do something special. So I just hope everybody's around to see what we can do.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:40:43 GMT -5
Red Sox offense on the upswing again, breaks out in rout of Orioles By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated August 13, 2021, 10:19 p.m.
The Red Sox salivated as each pitch made its way to the plate Friday evening at Fenway.
From the outset, Orioles starter Spenser Watkins’s stuff didn’t stand a chance against this Red Sox lineup, which pounded out 11 hits in an 8-1 victory.
The Sox jumped Watkins for four runs in the second inning backed by four hits, a walk and a sacrifice fly. Five straight batters in that inning reached base, beginning with a Hunter Renfroe single to lead off the frame. Kyle Schwarber, who made his debut with the Sox, then negotiated a walk, the first of two he drew on the night. Kevin Plawecki and Jarren Duran followed with singles, the latter driving in the Sox’ first run of the game. Bobby Dalbec then laced a two-run double off the wall, and Kiké Hernández’s sac fly made it 4-0.
“It was huge,” Duran, who was 2 for 4 on the night with two RBIs, said of the second inning. “It’s always a bonus when all the guys get on base and we’re able to contribute some runs. It’s good to see the guys getting hits and having some fun.
“I think that’s a key thing for us is just having fun out there and not putting too much pressure on ourselves.”
The Red Sox tacked on runs in each of the next two innings, highlighted by a Xander Bogaerts home run in the fourth, his 18th of the year.
Nick Pivetta, meanwhile, carried over his quality start from last weekend in Toronto, striking out eight over six innings of work. His only run allowed came on a Richie Martin homer in the third, which just made its way inside the Pesky Pole. Related: ‘I’ve been bad.’ Three losses in four days marked a new low for Red Sox closer Matt Barnes
Pivetta had trouble finding the zone early in the year with his fastball, but over his last two starts it has become a pitch he’s located better.
“I think it’s just having confidence in myself, knowing how my stuff plays every single day I pitch,” Pivetta said. “Just staying confident in my heater and allowing the other pitches to complement that.”
This Sox win comes on the heels of two gut-punching series losses against the Blue Jays and the Rays. Thursday’s 8-1 loss to Tampa Bay put the Sox five games behind the Rays in the American League East standings. But Friday afternoon, manager Alex Cora still had his eyes on the division, seeing some correctable flaws in his team’s play.
“We need to put it all together if we want to win the American League and make it to the playoffs,” Cora said before the game. “I’ve been saying all along that I believe pitching-wise, we’re in a better spot. Offensively, we’re going to wake up. We’re going to be better.”
Though it came against the lowly Orioles, the Sox did just that Friday night.
Dalbec made it a 7-1 game in the sixth inning with his 12th home run of the season, a solo shot to center off reliever Dusten Knight. Renfroe’s 20th home run of the season pushed it to 8-1 in the seventh.
Dalbec was 3 for 4 with three RBIs to lead the Sox offense, with Renfroe, Plawecki and Duran adding a pair of hits apiece. Dalbec’s OPS climbed over .700 (.703) for the first time since April 23.
“I think it’s just about putting complete at-bats together,” Dalbec said. “My favorite at-bat was the second one. I worked a 3-2 count, fouled off some tough pitches and put a good swing on a curveball to right field.”
The at-bat in the bottom of the third inning ended in a flyout. That Dalbec made it a competitive at-bat, something that has eluded him this year as he’s continued to chase pitches out the strike zone, made that particular plate appearance a win for the Sox slugger.
Dalbec entered the day with a 33.2 percent chase rate. He believes he’s turning the corner, but knows how humbling the game at the big league level can be.
“But anything can happen,” Dalbec added. I’m just trying to continue to get better and make all the right adjustments.”
Garrett Richards took the ball in the seventh for the Red Sox in his first relief appearance after being relegated to the bullpen following his most recent start at Toronto. Richards scattered four hits over three scoreless innings to finish it off, with four strikeouts.
These games against the Orioles (38-76) are contests the Sox should win. A sweep, in fact, would be ideal for a Sox club that entered Friday 11-15 since July 16. With the first win accomplished, Friday might have reset the Sox, who are geared toward another run.
“I know this team grinds and this team is a family,” Duran said. “We’re going to come together and we’re going to do something special. So I’ll just hope everybody’s around to see what we can do.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:43:26 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Kyle Schwarber returns from injury, makes Red Sox debut at designated hitter By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated August 13, 2021, 8:01 p.m.
The Red Sox are acting with a sense of urgency.
Despite Kyle Schwarber not appearing in a rehab game as he worked his way back from a hamstring injury, the Red Sox activated the recently-acquired power hitter Friday. To make room for Schwarber, utility player Marwin Gonzalez was designated for assignment.
Schwarber batted sixth as the designated hitter in the Sox’ series opener against the Orioles at Fenway, going 0 for 2 with two walks and two runs scored.
“What Kyle did today without swinging the bat in two at-bats [which lead to walks], that’s what he brings to the equation,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “The patience, the zone discipline and his ability to get on base.”
Before Friday’s matchup, Schwarber said he felt fully equipped to take on that role even though he had not played in a game since July 2.
“I think being able to stay swinging was a big thing,” said Schwarber, acquired from the Nationals before the trade deadline two weeks ago. “Pretty much three or four days after I was injured I was able to keep swinging. That’s the biggest thing. I was able to hit every day. I’m not saying I’m going to go out there and go 4 for 4. Nothing can replicate game speed. I’m just excited for the challenge.”
Schwarber drew a walk from Orioles starter Spenser Watkins in his first at-bat in the second inning, eventually scoring on a double by Bobby Dalbec.
The team will ease Schwarber into the first base role, a position he’s never played but which is a huge hole for the Red Sox. Heading into Friday the Sox produced a -1.3 Wins Above Replacement at first, the second-worst mark in baseball. Schwarber, meanwhile, batted .253 for the Nationals with 25 homers and a .910 OPS in just 72 games.
Though still getting acclimated, Schwarber believes he can handle first, considering this isn’t the first time he’s had to make a position switch.
“From my background I was a catcher then I was an outfielder,” Schwarber said. “Being able to move around in spots, you can always kind of take something from the other position to a new position. So, you know, I’m excited about it. I definitely view myself as a decent athlete, too. When I step over there, hopefully it’s not too long before it gets really comfortable.”
Gonzalez hit just .202 with a .281 on-base percentage and two homers in 271 plate appearances.
“It just didn’t happen offensively for us,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of Gonzalez. “That’s part of the business. You got to make tough decisions. But he was outstanding in the clubhouse and outstanding in the dugout. It was a grind for him physically.”
Alex Verdugo was in the lineup batting second after missing the last four games while on paternity leave. Players have up to three days of paternity leave, so once Verdugo wasn’t able to make it back for the series finale against the Rays, the team placed him on the restricted list.
Verdugo missed Sunday’s contest against the Blue Jays and arrived in California just in time for his child’s birth.
“It was amazing,” Verdugo said. “It felt like it was like a movie, man. Just the whole thing. Going from Canada to flying all the way back to [Los Angeles]. I made it there in like five minutes of time. To see what my [girlfriend] went through and like just how strong she was. It was just amazing.”
Verdugo went 0 for 4 with a walk. Arroyo doing better, closer to return
Christian Arroyo (hamstring) said he felt good after batting practice Friday. Arroyo also ran the bases and said he should be ready to make a rehab assignment beginning next Tuesday . . . The Red Sox dropped 11 of their previous 14 games heading into Friday. Help is on the way, both in the form of Chris Sale making his season debut Saturday, and the arrival of the last-place Orioles for a three-game series this weekend . . . Triple A Worcester’s Yairo Muñoz stretched his hit streak to 34 games Friday, tying a Sox organizational record held by Dom DiMaggio (1949) . . . Ryan Brasier lasted just ⅔ of an inning Friday against the Syracuse Mets in his second rehab start. Brasier surrendered five runs on five hits in the WooSox’ 10-8 loss . . . Tanner Houck was optioned to Worcester before Friday’s game . . . Catcher Christian Vázquez is expected to return from the bereavement list for Saturday’s game.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:51:48 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6h Two strong starts in a row for Nick Pivetta -- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K. Now it's a bullpen debut for Garrett Richards with a 7-1 lead in the 7th. #RedSox
Bobby Dalbec pushes his OPS over .700 for just the second time since April 23. Three hits tonight have all gone for extra bases. #RedSox
Nick Pivetta and Garrett Richards (surprise!) pick up W and SV in this one, combining for all 27 outs. #RedSox offense included four players with multiple hits.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:53:11 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Alex Cora on Nick Pivetta -- 'He's done an amazing job throughout the season obviously. He's human, right? He's going to have some bad games.'
'He learned a lot from that outing against the Jays here.'
'He has a good fastball. He was throwing 97 at the end.' #RedSox
Cora on Renfroe's defense -- 'He takes pride. It's a strength. It makes us better in the outfield. That's why we try to get him as many at-bats as possible.' #RedSox
Cora on Chris Sale's return Saturday -- 'It should be fun.'
He's expecting an appearance (and midseason-worthy performance) from @bostonkmen . #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:54:22 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 5h Replying to @billkoch25 Cora said Garrett Richards working three innings was important to keep him stretched out 'in case something happens.'
Richards could still make a spot start in a pinch. #RedSox
Cora on Bobby Dalbec -- 'Probably his best game overall.'
'We talk about the strikeouts all the time. If he makes enough contact he can be very dangerous.' #RedSox
Cora said Dalbec will be in the lineup again on Saturday.
'We felt as a group it was a good matchup for him.' #RedSox
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:56:32 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h Devers has taken to jogging out grounders. Matter of time before that comes back to bite him.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 2:59:29 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 7h Xander Bogaert at Fenway this year when: Pulling flyballs: 13-for-22 (.591) with 11 HRs Hitting flyballs to opposite field: 4-for-19 (.211), 0 HRs.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 3:01:07 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 5h Cora said Red Sox were happy to get three innings from Richards - both resting the rest of the bullpen and keeping Richards stretched out.
Cora on Schwarber: ‘He didn’t swing the bat in two at-bats and he scored two runs… That’s what we’re looking for. It’s a different approach.’
Dalbec on potential 1B crowd and possibility of losing playing time: ‘I haven’t really thought about that. … It’s all good. We’re trying to win games. It’s not all about me.’
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 3:05:15 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 5h Cora on Bobby Dalbec:
"Hopefully, this is the beginning of something great. We believed in him in spring training. We’ve been very patient, obviously, with the ups and downs. That was a great game today."
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 3:07:20 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox roster moves: Alex Verdugo returns from paternity leave, Tanner Houck sent down to WooSox (but only until Tuesday)
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- The Red Sox once again used MLB rules to their advantage to create some roster flexibility Friday afternoon.
In addition to activating Kyle Schwarber from the injured list and designating Marwin Gonzalez for assignment, the Sox activated outfielder Alex Verdugo from the restricted list and sent righty Tanner Houck down to the WooSox. Verdugo, who has been away from the team since Sunday on paternity leave, started in left field Friday night against the Orioles. Houck, who started Thursday afternoon, won’t be off the roster for long.
Houck is in line to start Tuesday during Boston’s doubleheader against the Yankees in New York, so the club plans to recall him as the 27th man before Game 1 on Tuesday afternoon. By doing so, the Red Sox can carry an extra player (either a reliever or bench bat) on their 26-man roster for their weekend series against the O’s with Houck’s status for his next start unaffected.
If Houck were to be optioned under regular circumstances, he would need to need to remain in the minors for at least 15 days (unless he was called up to replace an injured player). But the 27th man rule for doubleheaders cancels out that requirement, meaning the Sox can call Houck up and keep him on the roster for however long they want after Tuesday.
So while it looks newsworthy that Houck -- who owns a 2.93 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) this season -- is once again being sent down, it’s really a paper move. He will be back on the roster to make his next start and will be part of the big-league rotation going forward.
Other moves coming
On Saturday, the Red Sox will activate lefty Chris Sale from the injured list and catcher Christian Vázquez from the bereavement list. Infielder Jonathan Araúz and catcher Connor Wong are candidates to be optioned to make room for Sale and Vázquez, though that would leave the Sox with 14 pitchers and 12 position players. Right now, they have 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
Sale, who is on the 60-day injured list, will need to be added to the 40-man roster as well. The decision to cut Gonzalez opened up a spot for him.
The Red Sox will need to add three other players -- Ryan Brasier, Christian Arroyo and Danny Santana -- off the IL in the coming days, so more moves are likely to happen next week. Brasier is also on the 60-day IL and will require the opening of a 40-man spot.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 3:08:33 GMT -5
Bobby Dalbec has ‘best game overall’ for Boston Red Sox with 3 extra-base hits, including homer: ‘Hopefully, this is the beginning of something great’ Updated 11:11 PM; Today 11:11 PM
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- For Red Sox slugger Bobby Dalbec, things finally might be starting to come together at the plate.
Two days after driving in five runs in Boston’s 20-8 blowout over the Rays, Dalbec went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a homer and three RBIs in Friday’s 8-1 win over the Orioles. The showing -- just Dalbec’s second three-hit game of the year -- was encouraging in the eyes of manager Alex Cora.
“I do believe today was his best game overall,” Cora said. “It’s one of those that, we know that our guys on top of the lineup, they’re going to do the job but we need other guys to contribute.”
After hitting eight homers in 23 games at the end of 2020, Dalbec entered as the Sox’ primary first baseman and has started 80 of the club’s first 117 games at the position. Despite his talent, he has not produced, as he entered Friday with a .222 average, .275 on-base percentage and .676 OPS in 320 plate appearances.
The Red Sox have been patient with the former fourth-rounder, though there have been signs the club’s patience might be running out. First, the club began working out two non-first basemen -- Franchy Cordero and Christian Arroyo -- at first base. Then came the acquisition of Kyle Schwarber, who is expected to see significant time at the position despite never playing there before.
At full strength, it’s easy to envision a Red Sox roster that does not include Dalbec, who has seemed like a candidate to be sent down to Triple-A. But in the mind of the 26-year-old, the goal is still to make the most out of opportunities when given them.
“I haven’t really thought about that,” he said. “They put the lineup out there that they think is going to win ballgames. If I’m in it, awesome. If I’m not, it’s all good. We’re trying to win games. It’s not about me.”
Dalbec has been very ineffective against right-handers all season, as he entered Friday with a .549 OPS in 184 plate appearances against them. But given a rare start against a righty -- Orioles rookie Spenser Watkins -- Dalbec delivered, doubling off Watkins then homering off righty reliever Dusten Knight and hitting his second double against righty Cesar Valdez.
“He pulled the ball with authority and then he drove that ball to center field,” Cora said. “Not too many swings and misses today, which is good. We always talk about him hitting the ball hard... we know the strikeouts are part of it, but at the same time, if he makes enough contact, he can become very dangerous.
Dalbec has spoken frequently about the constant adjustments he has had to make in his first big-league season, and he admitted after Friday’s game that the year has been a mental grind. With 44 games remaining, it appears he may -- finally -- be rounding into firm.
“It has been tough, honestly. I’ve been in some rough spots,” he said. “But always grinding every day, just pounding the stone, keep working and things will turn around.”
If that’s the case, a potent Red Sox lineup would become even more dangerous in the final month and a half of the season.
“Hopefully, this is the beginning of something great,” Cora said. “We believed in him in spring training. We’ve been very patient, obviously, with the ups and downs. That was a great game today.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Aug 14, 2021 3:09:33 GMT -5
Red Sox Notes @soxnotes · 6h Nick Pivetta’s last 2 starts:
12.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 13 K
Pivetta and Chris Sale are the only Red Sox since 2017 to throw 6.0+ innings and allow 1 or 0 runs, 3 or fewer hits, and 2 or fewer walks in consecutive starts.
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