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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 4, 2022 11:20:33 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 1h Opening Day details for #RedSox - #Yankees Thursday in NYC (weather permitting):
Gates open: 11 a.m.
Ceremonies start: 12:30 p.m.
Anthem: Broadway actress Shoshana Bean.
Presentation of colors: U.S. Army West Point military police honor guard.
First pitch: Billy Crystal.
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Post by Kimmi on Apr 4, 2022 16:50:09 GMT -5
Not a whole lot to say at the moment, other than "Let's Go!"
I am so ready for baseball to start!
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 5, 2022 6:24:45 GMT -5
Red Sox-Yankees Opening Day forecast: Weather report calls for rain at Yankee Stadium (4/7/22) Updated: Apr. 05, 2022, 5:42 a.m. | Published: Apr. 05, 2022, 5:15 a.m.
By Mike Rosenstein | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Mother Nature is set to pick up her first win of the season on Thursday, as rain remains in the forecast for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.
Here’s the latest report from the National Weather Service with the season opener between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees just two days away.
Thursday
Rain likely, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 55. East wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday Night
Rain, mainly before 2am. Low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Both the Red Sox and Yankees are off Friday, so that would be the likely makeup day if rain ruins the opener on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Yankees announced Monday the schedule of events for the Opening Day festivities:
Pregame ceremonies are set to begin at approximately 12:30 p.m., with the introduction of both teams on the baselines.
Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid lines that will increase in length as game time approaches.
A giant American flag will be unfurled on the field by Yankees season-ticket holders prior to the national anthem, which will be sung by singer and actress Shoshana Bean, who currently stars in the new Broadway show Mr. Saturday Night. The presentation of colors will be performed by the U.S. Army West Point Military Police Honor Guard.
Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor and director Billy Crystal, the star of Mr. Saturday Night, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Yankee Stadium will also have guest DJay Jung performing prior to the game and during inning breaks. During the seventh-inning stretch, Grammy Award-nominated Broadway performer Quentin Earl Darrington from MJ the Musical will sing “God Bless America.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 6:25:17 GMT -5
Yankees-Red Sox weather report: Soaking rain, thunderstorms in Opening Day forecast at Yankee Stadium (4/7/22) Published: Apr. 06, 2022, 5:15 a.m.
By Mike Rosenstein | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Rain, rain go away.
Mother Nature might force the New York Yankees to postpone Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox, with the American League East rivals scheduled to meet Thursday at Yankee Stadium.
Here’s the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:
Thursday
Rain likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Steady temperature around 48. East wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Low around 48. East wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Both the Red Sox and Yankees are off Friday, so that would be the likely makeup day if rain ruins the opener on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Yankees announced Monday the schedule of events for the Opening Day festivities:
Pregame ceremonies are set to begin at approximately 12:30 p.m., with the introduction of both teams on the baselines.
Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid lines that will increase in length as game time approaches.
A giant American flag will be unfurled on the field by Yankees season-ticket holders prior to the national anthem, which will be sung by singer and actress Shoshana Bean, who currently stars in the new Broadway show Mr. Saturday Night. The presentation of colors will be performed by the U.S. Army West Point Military Police Honor Guard.
Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor and director Billy Crystal, the star of Mr. Saturday Night, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Yankee Stadium will also have guest DJay Jung performing prior to the game and during inning breaks. During the seventh-inning stretch, Grammy Award-nominated Broadway performer Quentin Earl Darrington from MJ the Musical will sing “God Bless America.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 9:22:05 GMT -5
Red Sox-Yankees Opening Day postponed: Game moved to Friday because of inclement weather Updated: Apr. 06, 2022, 8:45 a.m. | Published: Apr. 06, 2022, 8:18 a.m.
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
NEW YORK — The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees Opening Day game has been postponed to Friday because of inclement weather.
The game initially was scheduled to be played at 1:05 p.m. Thursday at Yankee Stadium. It now will be at 1:05 p.m. Friday.
It’s already raining here in New York on Wednesday. It is expected to continue throughout the day tomorrow.
Red Sox righty Nathan Eovaldi will start against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Pregame ceremonies start at 12:30 p.m.
Fans looking to attend the games in person can shop around at StubHub, VividSeats and TicketNetwork for the best seats available. The game will be on NESN which you can stream via fuboTV.
The Red Sox open with three games in the Bronx on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They then head to Detroit to play the Tigers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Opening Day at Fenway is scheduled against the Twins next Friday.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 13:44:41 GMT -5
Red Sox @ Yankees Friday, 8th April 2022 1pm @ Boogie Down
Nasty Nate vs Cole
After quiet free agency, Yankees open vs. Trevor Story, Red Sox FLM
Once the lockout ended, fans of the New York Yankees wondered if a major name in free agency would join a team that flamed out in the wild-card game at Fenway Park.
The Yankees did not add any prominent new names via free agency, and their big-ticket addition was Josh Donaldson from the Minnesota Twins -- who promptly used the money saved in the deal to sign Carlos Correa.
After an offseason that frustrated many fans, the Yankees will get the 2022 season started Friday afternoon when they host the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series.
Their Opening Day game was rescheduled from Thursday because of a forecast of inclement weather in New York.
"I think we're a better team right now than we were at any points of last year," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I would say, yes, a more complete team, but it's April 3. So that's great and all, we have to go do it."
Gerrit Cole will begin his third season with the Yankees against Nathan Eovaldi in a rematch of the wild-card game.
Cole is 23-11 with a 3.11 ERA in his first 42 regular-season starts as a Yankee. He was 16-8 with a 3.23 ERA last season when he finished second behind Robbie Ray in the Cy Young voting, but he also faltered down the stretch while pitching through a hamstring injury as the Yankees qualified for the wild-card game on the last day of the regular season.
Cole's last appearance was in the wild-card game, when he allowed three runs and four hits in two innings of a 6-2 loss. He is 5-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 10 career starts against the Red Sox and was 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in four starts against them last season.
The roster surrounding Cole is mostly unchanged from last season other than Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who will comprise the left side of the infield after being acquired for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela on March 13.
Donaldson batted .247 with 26 homers and 72 RBIs last season in 135 games last season while Kiner-Falefa batted .271 with eight homers and 53 RBIs in 158 games for Texas last season.
"We have a strong team here," Donaldson told reporters. "We feel really good about the pieces that have been put together here. It's one thing to be able to talk about it, it's another thing to go out there and do it, but we're excited about the opportunity to go and do those things."
Besides Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the team Donaldson joins includes Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, midseason acquisitions entering a full season with New York.
The Yankees are banking on Aaron Hicks staying healthy after he was limited to 32 games last season due to a wrist injury. They also hope to see rebound performances from DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres after the infielders hit .268 and .259, respectively.
The Red Sox return mostly the same cast from last season's 92-win team that reached the ALCS after ranking near the top of several offensive categories. They added Trevor Story to join forces with sluggers Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez, a trio who combined for 89 homers last season.
Story signed a six-year deal with the Red Sox and will move to second base after hitting .251 with 24 homers and 75 RBIs in 142 games last season.
"I looked at the board and I was like, 'Man, we have a sick lineup, a deep lineup,'" Story told reporters.
Eovaldi was 11-9 with a 3.75 ERA in his third full season with Boston. He was 2-2 with 3.71 ERA in six starts against the Yankees last season and is 3-4 with a 3.64 ERA in 15 appearances (12 starts) against New York.
--Field Level Media
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 13:46:28 GMT -5
SP Probables Friday- Nasty Nate vs Cole Saturday 4pm- Pivetta vs TBA Sunday 7pm- Houck vs TBA
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 13:49:02 GMT -5
Everything to know about BOS-NYY opener 1:32 PM ADT Bryan Hoch
Bryan Hoch @bryanhoch Ian Browne
A new installment of ‘The Rivalry’ -- can you think of a better way to begin the regular season?
After a one-day postponement due to inclement weather, Gerrit Cole will take the mound against Nathan Eovaldi for Opening Day on Friday, when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest at Yankee Stadium.
“There’s not a bigger stage, really, across Major League Baseball than Yankees-Red Sox on Opening Day,” said Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson, who will be making his debut in pinstripes. “I think that’s going to be exciting, and I know a lot of guys are anticipating the moment.”
Gates will open at 11 a.m. for the contest. This marks the first time since 2013 that the Red Sox and Yankees have met on Opening Day (that game also took place in the Bronx), and just the fourth time in the past 30 seasons (since 1993).
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch, with singer and actress Shoshana Bean performing the national anthem. Pregame ceremonies are set to begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET, with the introductions of both teams on the baselines.
“It’s going to be nuts,” said Red Sox left fielder Alex Verdugo. “Last year we were able to have our home opener in Boston, the first one for me. Now we’re going to go to New York and it’s going to be exciting. We know what the crowd is going to be like there. The atmosphere is going to be electric. The [fans] will be talking how they talk. It’s going to be fun.”
The Red Sox won 92 games last year, defeated the Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game and made it past the Rays in the AL Division Series before falling to the Astros in a six-game AL Championship Series. The Yanks also won 92 games, but because of a tiebreaker, their last nine innings were played at Fenway Park.
“I’ve been looking forward to this start for the last week or two,” said Eovaldi. “I’m definitely excited for it. To be able to open up against them on the road at their place, it’s going to be big for us to be able to go out there and set the tone.”
When is the game and how can I watch it? First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET on Friday and will be available on MLB Network and MLB.TV. The game will be televised on NESN and the YES Network. It can be heard on WFAN (660 AM, 101.9 FM) in the New York area and WEEI (97.3 FM) throughout New England.
The starting lineups Red Sox: With a power righty on the mound for the Yankees in Cole, the Red Sox will go with their “A” lineup, featuring the recently acquired Trevor Story. From Story and Rafael Devers to J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts, the Sox will again have one of the most potent lineups in the game. Having strong core players like Verdugo and Kiké Hernández also helps. If second-year first baseman Bobby Dalbec hits for the type of power he is capable of, Boston’s lineup could be scary.
Projected lineup
1. Kiké Hernández, CF 2. Rafael Devers, 3B 3. Xander Bogaerts, SS 4. J.D. Martinez, DH 5. Alex Verdugo, LF 6. Trevor Story, 2B 7. Bobby Dalbec, 1B 8. Jackie Bradley, Jr., RF 9. Christian Vázquez, C
Yankees: It’s a new-look Bombers batting order, one that hopes to carry over the improved production it showed in the second half last season. A March trade with the Twins imported Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to shore up the left side of the infield, and Anthony Rizzo’s return offers a patient and balanced approach near the top of the lineup.
Projected lineup
1. Josh Donaldson, 3B 2. Aaron Judge, RF 3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B 4. Giancarlo Stanton, DH 5. DJ LeMahieu, 2B 6. Joey Gallo, LF 7. Aaron Hicks, CF 8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, SS 9. Kyle Higashioka, C
Who are the starting pitchers? Red Sox: Eovaldi is no stranger to marquee matchups against Cole and the Yankees. They faced off in last season’s American League Wild Card Game, with Eovaldi coming out on top, holding the Yankees to one run over 5 1/3 innings in which he walked none and struck out eight. In 16 outings against New York since he joined Boston, Eovaldi has a 1.03 ERA (including the postseason). This is the third consecutive year Eovaldi has taken the ball on Opening Day for the Red Sox.
Yankees: Cole begins his third season in a Yankees uniform aiming to fulfill his stated objective of winning multiple World Series titles over the length of his contract. A hamstring injury hindered Cole’s effectiveness late last season, though he paced the American League with a 5.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio, fanning 243 batters against 41 walks in 181 1/3 innings. Cole also led the AL with 16 wins, pitching to a 3.23 ERA in 30 starts.
How might the bullpens line up after the starter? Red Sox: This is where it gets interesting. Red Sox manager Alex Cora hasn’t named a set closer, and he may not. It was an uncomfortable Spring Training for the Red Sox bullpen, as some key pitchers lacked velocity and/or command. However, Garrett Whitlock is not included in that category of pitchers who struggled. He was stretched out as a starter and could give Cora as many as four or five innings in the opener behind Eovaldi. Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Jake Diekman and Matt Strahm are other pitchers Boston could use in the late innings. No. 25 prospect Kutter Crawford won a spot in the bullpen, but it’s more likely he’ll be used on days Whitlock isn’t available due to his ability to go multiple innings.
Yankees: The Yanks’ bullpen is largely set, though the pecking order to closer Aroldis Chapman could shift some -- and the club has even talked about using Chapman in higher-leverage eighth inning assignments on occasion. Jonathan Loáisiga, Chad Green, Clay Holmes, Lucas Luetge, Wandy Peralta and Michael King figure to serve in prominent roles, as does Miguel Castro, an early April pickup from the Mets.
Any injuries of note? Red Sox: Ace Chris Sale suffered a stress fracture in his right rib cage while throwing during the lockout, and there is still no timetable for when he will be ready to start throwing. James Paxton, a former Yankee, is also on the mend as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The “Big Maple” would like to be back at some point in June. The Red Sox are without their top left-on-left reliever for Opening Day, as Josh Taylor is on the injured list with a back injury.
Yankees: It has been a remarkably healthy spring for the Yankees, who have been bitten by the injury bug plenty over the last couple of years. Right-hander Domingo Germán is on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder issue, and catcher Ben Rortvedt missed a chance at making the Opening Day roster due to a right oblique strain. Left-hander Zack Britton is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t be available until at least August.
Who’s hot and who’s not? Red Sox: Devers has had a monster Spring Training, mashing six homers in his first 26 at-bats. Dalbec has also had a strong Grapefruit League season. And unlike last year, he thinks he will carry it into the regular season. Story got off to a slow start, which isn’t surprising given his late arrival at camp. Martinez is still looking to find his stroke.
Yankees: Kyle Higashioka paced the Majors with seven homers this spring, catching a hot streak in part due to advice gleaned from hours of conversations with Donaldson. Aaron Judge showed his extra-base power often, while Kiner-Falefa led the club with 13 hits. Joey Gallo had a rough spring, striking out 13 times in 30 at-bats.
Anything else fans might want to know? • This is the first time the rivals have met in a season opener since 2013 when the Red Sox got their eventual World Series championship season off to a promising start, defeating the Yanks 8-2 in the Bronx. The starting pitchers for that game? Jon Lester for Boston and CC Sabathia for New York.
• In franchise history, the Yankees are 66-52-1 on Opening Day and 36-18-1 when the season opener is a home game. The Yankees enter Friday's contest with a 79-39-1 all-time record in home openers.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 13:54:13 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster: Breaking down the final decisions Alex Cora must make, plus which moves could come before Friday Published: Apr. 06, 2022, 1:44 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
The Red Sox will open their season one day later than expected after their Opening Day matchup with the Yankees was postponed due to inclement weather. With about 48 hours to go before the opener Friday afternoon, let’s take a few minutes to reset the projected Opening Day roster that will take the field at Yankee Stadium. THE LOCKS:
Most of Boston’s 28-man roster is already set. It’s safe to already pencil in 25 names, including 13 of the 15 pitchers and 12 of the 13 position players the Red Sox will carry.
Most of the 25 locks aren’t really surprises. First baseman Travis Shaw will be on the team, barring an unexpected change, even after struggling for most of spring. The biggest shocker of Red Sox camp was that righty Kutter Crawford made the team as a reliever. Crawford, more than anyone else in the Opening Day group, earned his spot with an impressive camp.
The Red Sox will almost certainly start with three lefties on the injured list. Chris Sale (stress fracture in rib cage) and James Paxton (Tommy John surgery) are already on the 60-day IL and Josh Taylor (back strain) is expected to start the year on the 10-day IL. Here’s who will make the team:
STARTING ROTATION (5): RHP Nathan Eovaldi, RHP Tanner Houck, RHP Nick Pivetta, RHP Michael Wacha, LHP Rich Hill
BULLPEN (8): RHP Matt Barnes, RHP Ryan Brasier, RHP Kutter Crawford, RHP Hirokazu Sawamura, RHP Garrett Whitlock, LHP Austin Davis, LHP Jake Diekman, LHP Matt Strahm
CATCHERS (2): C Kevin Plawecki, C Christian Vázquez
INFIELDERS (6): INF/OF Christian Arroyo, SS Xander Bogaerts, 1B Bobby Dalbec, 3B Rafael Devers, 1B Travis Shaw, 2B Trevor Story
OUTFIELDERS (4): CF Kiké Hernández, RF/CF Jackie Bradley Jr., OF/DH J.D. Martinez, LF Alex Verdugo FINAL DECISIONS:
With 25 of 28 spots set, the Red Sox have three openings remaining for four players. In all likelihood, infielder Jonathan Araúz will round out the 13-man position player group. That leaves two remaining bullpen spots for three pitchers: righties Tyler Danish, Hansel Robles and Phillips Valdez.
Robles, who didn’t arrive in camp until late last week due to visa issues, is the wild card here. He will absolutely be on the big league roster soon, but it’s unclear exactly when. If the Red Sox determine that he’s ready after a short camp, he’ll be on the team Friday. There’s also a chance they send him to Triple-A Worcester for a few days in order to get him ready. Robles is in New York with the Red Sox but the team has not announced its decision on him.
Danish was added to the 40-man roster Monday in a surprising move but is not guaranteed a 28-man spot. He had an opt-out clause in his contract, according to a source, so the move might have been made so that Boston didn’t lose him to another team. Danish has a minor-league option remaining, so the Sox can send him to the WooSox at will. Valdez also has an option remaining and is in a similar boat (he’s also on the 40-man roster).
If Robles is deemed ready, he’ll grab one of the final two spots with Danish or Valdez taking the other. If Robles starts in Worcester, Danish and Valdez project to make the team. WHICH MOVES MIGHT BE MADE?
The Red Sox will need to open up one 40-man roster spot for Shaw and will need another if Robles is deemed ready. Robles, as our Chris Smith reported earlier this week, signed a minor league deal because of the anticipated visa issues in the Dominican Republic. Boston is facing a 40-man roster crunch, which makes these decisions a bit difficult. After losing two players to other teams (righty Kyle Tyler to the Padres and outfielder Jeisson Rosario to the Yankees) earlier in spring training, there are not many clear candidates to be cut from the 40-man.
Righty Ralph Garza Jr., who was claimed from the Twins late last month, is a candidate to be designated for assignment to create one of the spots. Beyond that, it’s hard to envision any obvious moves. So far, the Sox have been hesitant to move pitching prospect Bryan Mata to the 60-day injured list because that would start his major league service clock. In theory, Valdez or Araúz could be designated for assignment, but they have both shown flashes in the majors and would likely be snagged by another team if cut.
Don’t be surprised if the Red Sox make a minor trade or two to clear some 40-man room before Opening Day. The fact that there is a clear shortage of DFA candidates speaks to the depth Chaim Bloom has built since taking over in Oct. 2019. It’s a stark contrast from after the 2020 season, when the Red Sox cut a large portion of the roster and most of those players cleared waivers.
The Red Sox could still use a right-handed hitting outfielder and some bullpen help, so external moves are possible, too. Working against Boston is the fact that not many veteran players were released or opted out of their contracts late in camp (a product of rosters being expanded to 28 players). But there are some guys who would fit, including Jake Marisnick (released by the Rangers) and Justin Upton (designated for assignment by Angels). So far, according to sources, the Red Sox have not shown interest in either payer. That, of course, could change quickly.
At the very least, the Red Sox will need to make a few more transactions before Friday. Shaw’s contract will be selected and someone will be sent off the 40-man. If Robles is ready, another player gets axed and either Danish or Valdez will be optioned to the WooSox. It seems like the Red Sox are taking their time with those decisions in order to keep their options open for external additions.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 13:55:57 GMT -5
Merloni & Fauria @merlonifauria · 24m #RedSox manager Alex Cora joins @loumerloni @christianfauria right now on @weei!
WEEI.com/listen | WEEI.com/watch | @audacy app
Red Sox Stats @redsoxstats · 2m Says the team isn't going to be using PitchCom for now, the "conviction factor" isn't where it needs to be with the pitchers. Really likes where Dalbec is at heading into the year. Mentioned Arroyo playing RF on Sunday (Montgomery) and Wednesday (Rodriguez).
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 6, 2022 18:19:04 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 3h Congrats to Gabby and Christian Vazquez on the birth of their second son, Daniel.
Nothing official yet, but Christian would seemingly be able to play on Friday. Plan was for him to catch Nate Eovaldi.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 7, 2022 2:53:48 GMT -5
A closer look at the Opening Day matchup between the Red Sox’ Nate Eovaldi and the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated April 6, 2022, 7:58 p.m.
NEW YORK — The Red Sox’ season opener against the Yankees, originally scheduled for Thursday, was moved to Friday because of inclement weather in the forecast.
So, as fans wait patiently — or impatiently — for the start of their team’s 162-game run, let’s take a look at Friday’s pitching matchup between Boston’s Nate Eovaldi and New York’s Gerrit Cole.
Fans likely remember the same matchup for last season’s AL Wild Card Game at Fenway Park, which was won, 6-2, by the Sox. Most of the talk leading up to the game centered on Cole. In fact, the expectation among many in the media was that the Yankees would win in large part because of Cole. This was why the Yankees had gone out and acquired the righthander, for moments like this. The Yankees, at least recently, had lacked a true ace. This was supposed to be their guy.
But when Yankees manager Aaron Boone walked to the mound in the third inning after the Red Sox had tagged Cole for three runs, including two homers, on 50 pitches, there was a collective gasp at Fenway. Was Boone just going out for a talk? Or was he really going to his bullpen? When Cole handed Boone the ball, the crowd erupted. The Sox had slayed the Yankees’ ace. Though the game wasn’t over, the Yankees were defeated.
Eovaldi, meanwhile, navigated his way through 5⅓ innings, allowing one run and adding to his postseason credentials. Related: Red Sox season opener vs. Yankees in New York postponed to Friday
It shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise that the Red Sox got to Cole the way they did. In four games against Cole last season, the Red Sox hit .279/.340/.512 with an .852 OPS. In three games at Fenway, those numbers surged to .302/.361/.603 with a .964 OPS. Cole posted a 4.91 ERA against the Sox in 2021, allowing five homers.
The Sox feast on fastballs and are aggressive in the strike zone, often swinging early in the count. It’s part of the method Alex Cora employed when he became manager in 2019.
Cole throws his four-seam fastball a whopping 47.1 percent of the time. In 2021, you could see the Sox’ approach, as their aggressiveness forced Cole to go to Plan B. Instead of trying to establish the strike zone with his fastball on the first pitch, he would toss first-pitch sliders.
The Sox had Cole’s number last year. But this is a new season and Cole is one of the best pitchers in the game for a reason.
Eovaldi, meanwhile, picked up right where he left off during spring training. His routine and understanding of what it takes to attack hitters has matured over the course of his career.
Eovaldi registered a 3.75 ERA last year in 182⅓ innings. Against the Yankees, Eovaldi’s ERA was 3.71 in 34 innings. The Yankees have some power bats, but they swing and miss a lot.
After last year’s Wild Card Game flameout, general manager Brian Cashman went into the offseason stressing the importance of the Yankees making contact.
Eovaldi, though he can dial it up to 100 miles per hour on the radar gun, has a career strikeout rate of just 19.6 percent (though he’s pushed that number above 25 percent the last two seasons). But his mix of pitches makes him a tough matchup. With perhaps the Yankees’ newfound approach and Eovaldi’s pitch mix, it should make for a fascinating Opening Day battle.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 7, 2022 3:03:54 GMT -5
Red Sox Notebook: Nathan Eovaldi joins exclusive company with third consecutive Opening Day start Will oppose Gerrit Cole in Friday’s opener
By Steve Hewitt | stephen.hewitt@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: April 6, 2022 at 5:25 p.m. | UPDATED: April 6, 2022 at 5:37 p.m.
Nathan Eovaldi has become the Red Sox’ Opening Day starter who they likely didn’t expect him to be.
On Friday at Yankee Stadium, Eovaldi will make his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Red Sox, which was never really the plan. In 2020, he took the ball for the first game of the shortened season after Chris Sale had Tommy John surgery and Eduardo Rodriguez contracted COVID-19. In 2021, the Red Sox turned to Eovaldi again after Rodriguez developed a dead arm late in spring training.
In many ways, though, the Red Sox’ Opening Day reliance on Eovaldi has represented how important he’s become to their pitching staff. That continues to be the case as this 2022 season begins, one in which they will be without Sale again for at least two months.
“When you get that Opening Day nod, to be able to open up and start that first game, it means a lot to me,” Eovaldi said. “You kind of set the tone.”
With his third Opening Day start, Eovaldi will become the 16th Red Sox pitcher in history with three or more Opening Day starts – a group that includes Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Luis Tiant. And he’s the 10th pitcher among them to make three consecutive Opening Day starts. In his two previous Opening Day starts, Eovaldi has given up two earned runs and struck out eight over 11 1/3 innings, with both outings against the Orioles.
Friday will present a far greater challenge, but one he’s familiar with. He’ll oppose Yankees starter Gerrit Cole, who he started against three times last season. The last one came in the Wild Card game at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox chased Cole after two innings in their 6-2 win.
The rematch will come almost exactly six months after that October matchup, and Eovaldi has been looking forward to it. The 32-year-old is entering a critical year in his career. He becomes a free agent after the season, and he’s looking to build on his first All-Star season in 2021. Friday could not only set the tone for the Red Sox, but his own season.
“It’s going to be a great game,” Eovaldi said. “To open up against the Yankees, our fans will be there, theirs will be there, day game. I’m just trying to go out there and make sure I stay within my mechanics, one pitch at a time, quick outs and attack the zone.”
Opener postponed
The Red Sox and Yankees had to wait a day to begin the season. The Opening Day game between the two teams, which was originally scheduled for Thursday at 1:05 p.m., was postponed to Friday at the same time due to a forecast of inclement weather in New York. The Yankees made the announcement early Wednesday morning.
The Red Sox will now play on six consecutive days on the road to open the season, with three against the Yankees this weekend and three in Detroit against the Tigers starting Monday. They have an off day Thursday before their home-opening four-game set against the Twins at Fenway Park.
Eovaldi faces Cole in Friday’s opener, with Nick Pivetta slated for Saturday and Tanner Houck taking the ball on Sunday night. Michael Wacha will start Monday’s opener against the Tigers, followed by Rich Hill on Tuesday. Eovaldi is scheduled to face Rodriguez – who was named Detroit’s Opening Day starter – on Wednesday.
Roster almost set
The Red Sox still have a few decisions to make before submitting their Opening Day roster ahead of Friday’s opener. As of Wednesday, they still had 30 players to choose from.
Josh Taylor, who is dealing with a back injury, is likely to be put on the injured list to begin the season. Travis Shaw and Jonathan Arauz seem to be the likely additions to the 13 position players that manager Alex Cora expects to carry.
The final spot in the bullpen looks like it will come down to Hansel Robles or Tyler Danish, who was added to the 40-man roster this week. Robles, who was a late arrival to camp due to visa issues, was signed to a minor league deal, so the Red Sox would need to make a 40-man move for him to make the Opening Day roster.
Morning baseball
On Wednesday, MLB announced a new weekly Sunday morning game package that will air exclusively on Peacock, the streaming service produced by NBC Sports. It will begin on May 8 with the Red Sox’ home game against the White Sox, which will start at 11:30 a.m. ET.
The morning game package will air for 18 consecutive weeks, with the first six games starting at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT and the following 12 games beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. Red Sox-White Sox on May 8 will simulcast on the NBC broadcast network, and the remaining 17 games will be exclusively streamed on Peacock.
For each of the 18 Sunday morning games, it will be the exclusive home of a live MLB game until 1:30 p.m. ET, when the rest of the day’s schedule will begin.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 7, 2022 7:39:33 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 23m Happy New Year to those who celebrate. ⚾️⚾️⚾️
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Apr 7, 2022 10:17:40 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 2h Seven MLB games today. Red Sox and Yankees will be in the Bronx for a workout and press conferences. Based on the forecast there won’t be much on the field.
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