Tag Archives: MLB

The Rise of Hector Velazquez

Last year Hector Velazquez made his MLB debut and went 3-1 in eight appearances as a starter and reliever. The Red Sox signed Velazquez after his 2016 breakout season in the Mexican League. Over the last two seasons he has provided the Sox with rotation depth. On May 18th of last season, he made his first MLB start and gave up six runs against Oakland. Since then he has been one of the best Red Sox pitchers whenever called upon. This season has been no different.

Injuries Test Red Sox Early

The Red Sox were tested early this year as Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright began the season on the disabled list. As a result, both Brian Johnson and Velazquez made the opening day roster. Johnson started off the season well before struggling as his ERA has risen to 4.67. Velazquez has been of the Red Sox best pitchers as his 2.15 ERA ranks second on the team behind Joe Kelly. He has proven to be a reliable arm as a starter and a reliever. This has improved the Red Sox depth and has given them options when they’ve dealt with injury. Velazquez has rewarded Boston faith with his performance.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Velazquez’s Value by the Numbers

In thirteen appearances this season, including two as a starter, he is 5-0. In 29.1 innings of work he has twenty strikeouts and has walked only eight batters. He has allowed thirty-two hits on the season, but he has only allowed seven earned runs. In six appearances in May, Velazquez has only allowed two earned runs. He is not a strikeout pitcher but he knows how to use the strike zone. As Brian Johnson has struggled, Velazquez has emerged as one of Alex Cora’s most trusted bullpen arms.

Photo Credit: Brian Blanco/Getty Images

Can Velazquez Keep This Up?

Velazquez has appeared in twenty-one games at the major league level recording a 2.50 ERA. The Red Sox showed their faith in him when they activated the righty of the disabled list and optioned Bobby Poyner who had a 1.86 ERA in nine appearances to Pawtucket. As the innings pile up, Velazquez’s durability will be tested. In Velazquez’s young major league career he has done nothing but give the Red Sox quality innings. If he can continue to pitch well, then this could be a breakout season for the former Mexican league star.

Previewing the Sox: 5/28-6/3

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The previous week (5/20-5/27) for the Red Sox has been an encouraging one to say the least. They took two out of three from the Tampa Bay Rays and the first place (at the time) Atlanta Braves. The offensive player of the week is Andrew Benintendi (.353/.455/.824, 1.278 OPS, 223 wRC+). The pitcher of the week is Eduardo Rodriguez, who got two wins while posting up a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts, three walks and two earned runs. This is evidence of two players who needed to have a great week like this. Will these performances kick-start the players into performing at a better rate? Only time will tell.

Glancing Ahead

Looking ahead to this week, the Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays at home for three games, and then travel to Houston for a four game showdown with the Astros. The Astros split their four game series with the Cleveland Indians, and will also be playing the Yankees for the first three game series of this week. Focusing on the Astros series, the probable pitchers look to be Pomeranz, Sale, Price, and Porcello. For the Astros, it looks to be McCullers Jr., Cole, Verlander, and Morton. The Sox seem to be facing the best of the best as both Verlander and Cole are ranked first and second in ERA in the American League (1.08 and 1.86 respectively). Also, George Springer and Alex Bregman are doing quite well in the month of May. Springer posting a .341/.383/.557 slash with a .940 OPS and Bregman with a .282/.396/.529/.940 line.

The Sox offense really needs to step up more than ever against Houston. The Astros, as a team, throw 43.9% of their pitches in the strike zone, and have the highest swinging strike percentage in the majors (12.6%). The Houston bullpen should not be undermined, as they have one of the lowest contact percentages in the majors (73.6%). They also have a 2.63 ERA, which is ranked third in baseball. All in all, this Astros pitching staff is no joke since they have the highest strikeout rates, along with a top 5 walk rate and a miniscule 0.86 HR/9 figure. The Sox need to be aggressive in the zone and attack early, because there is not a whole lot of relief once the opposing starters exit. Of course, there is the obvious payback feeling for being booted in the ALDS against this same Astros team. But here’s a catch: Alex Cora is leading the charge. He was on A.J. Hinch’s World Series winning coaching staff last year, which will prove to be an advantage. This series will be epic.

Notes for the week:

David Price has a career 1.088 WHIP with a 2.92 ERA while playing indoors (like Minute Maid Park).
The Astros lead the league in overall run differential, however Houston has a pedestrian +34 differential at home for the season.
The Sox will need Mookie Betts back in order to contend with the Astros this weekend. Don’t be shocked if Mookie misses the next few days.
The Red Sox have a 3.04 ERA as a team when playing away and the Astros have a 2.63 ERA when playing at home.
The Astros have a .235 batting average as a team when playing at Minute Maid park this season. The Sox have a .248 average when on the road.

This upcoming series with the defending champions is going to be a crazy experience. Don’t miss it.

@ELJGON

Bobby Poyner’s Unwavering Perseverance

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Bobby Poyner has been lights-out for the Red Sox bullpen this season. His performance has made some wonder how he flew under the radar for so long. The Red Sox drafted Poyner in the 14th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He is a fearless lefty that has the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate. His numbers in the minors have been impressive. If he can keep up his early season performance then by the end of the season he could be a Cinderella story of the 2018 season.

Bobby Poyner in the Minors

In four minor league seasons Poyner has recorded a 2.34 ERA. Before making his major league debut this season, the highest level Poyner reached was AA, where he dominated. In 27 appearances for Portland last year he recorded a 0.94 ERA. In 38 innings he struck out 52 batters. That impressive campaign earned him an invitation to Spring Training, where the former Florida Gator did not disappoint. Poyner earned his spot as in Spring Training he recorded a 0.87 ERA. He’s carried that dominate performance into the regular season.

Photo Credit: NESN Staff

Poyner Excelling in the Majors

Poyner has pitched 9.2 innings in the majors this season and has an ERA of 1.86. He is averaging a strikeout an inning. Poyner has given up 12 hits this season, but has only allowed two earned runs. He spent some time on the disabled list earlier in the season costing him a spot in the bullpen. When healthy, Manager Alex Cora has not been afraid to use him in high leverage situations. Despite his impressive start, Poyner was sent down to Pawtucket when the Red Sox activated fellow reliever Hector Velazquez from the disabled list.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Will He Be Back?

This is not the last that Red Sox fans will see of Poyner this season. If he continues to excell in the minors, then the Red Sox will find a spot for him. He has grabbed every opportunity like his career has depended on it and delivered. How long Poyner stays in Pawtucket is unknown. If Poyner can continue to pitch well then the Sox will have a choice to make. As Poyner has done throughout his career he will not make it an easy one.

Andrew Benintendi: Man on Fire

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The Red Sox three starting outfielders have very different starts to the 2018 season. Mookie Betts has been perhaps the best player in baseball while Jackie Bradley has been a liability with the bat. However Andrew Benintendi, who has one of the highest ceilings of the Red Sox young core, has started to come into his own. The former Arkansas Razorback started the season struggling. But over the last twenty-three games he has hit his stride giving the Red Sox a lethal one-two punch at the top of the lineup. Benintendi was expected to take on a big role in the Red Sox offense and lately he’s shown why.

Benintendi’s Cold Start

Entering 2018, Andrew Benintendi was coming off a rookie season in which he finished second in Rookie-of-the-Year voting. He started out that impressive season on fire. However, this season has not been as easy for the former first-round pick. Through the Red Sox first twenty one games Benintendi batted .218 with a .706 on-base percentage. He was hitting with little power as three of his five home runs on the season have come in his last fifty eight at bats. Benintendi was streaky with the bat last year going into into slumps every other month. He has emerged from this slump as one of the hottest hitters in baseball.

Photo Credit Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Benintendi Breaks Out

Over his last twenty three games the Red Sox left fielder has hit .340 with a .959 on base percentage. This has raised his average on the season to .275 and ops to .816. In his last fifteen games he has fourteen runs batted in. He now has the third most RBI on the team. His power has been on display as Benintendi hit home runs in both of the Red Sox last two games. This has been a welcoming sign for the Red Sox as his bat makes the Red Sox lineup much deeper. Even though Benintendi struggled with the bat, his defense was still exceptional.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Can Benintendi Keep This Up?

As a rookie, the former first-round pick showed why the Red Sox have high expectations for Benintendi. The key will be consistency and avoiding prolonged slumps. Hitting behind Mookie, he will get plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. Over the last twenty three games he has been the player everyone expected. With Benintendi hitting his stride, the Red Sox become a more dangerous team offensively.

Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles Recap

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A four game series versus the Orioles will take place Thursday through Sunday. The Orioles are in last place in the AL East, and the Sox are tied for first place with the New York Yankees. This weekend will also mark the showdown of Mookie Betts and Manny Machado, the top two leaders in the home run race for the MLB. Dustin Pedroia, Austin Maddox, and Tyler Thornburg will all play in Rochester this weekend with minor league affiliate Pawtucket Red Sox. The Red Sox look to keep their lead and overrule the Yankees to be sole leader of the AL East. David Price will be up first on the mound Thursday night. Then Pomeranz, Porcello, and Rodriguez will follow.

Price vs. Gausman – a Full Game for Price

David Price had himself quite the night. He pitched nine innings in under 100 pitches, and came out with a win. Price struck out eight batters and let up only five hits. J.D. Martinez hit a two run homer in the first, and Xander Bogaerts hit a three run homer in the fifth, providing Price with plenty of run support. Showalter didn’t hesitate to wait for Bogaerts to finish rounding the bases before speed walking to take Gausman out. The Orioles skipper was so in the moment he did not even realize that Bogaerts hadn’t even made it home. Kevin Gausman pitched a little under five innings, letting up six runs and eight hits, striking out six and walking two. Boston won their second straight game after beating the Oakland Athletics 6-4 on Wednesday to avoid a three game sweep. Baltimore was 5-7 coming in.

“They’re a free-swinging team,” said Price, who threw just 95 pitches. “You can go out there and do that or you can go out there for three innings and give up a bunch of runs.”

”We just got into some sticky situations where we just had to dig ourselves out of a hole and we just couldn’t,” Susac said.

“He was amazing,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “He was outstanding. You saw it. Bad swings, up, down, in and out, change up, cutter, sinkers … that was fun to watch.”

Pomeranz vs. Cobb – Cobb Takes His First Win in an Orioles Jersey

The Orioles beat the Red Sox 7-4, ending Baltimore’s 13-game road losing streak. Cobb held the Red Sox to three runs and ten hits over six innings. It was Alex Cobb’s first game as an Orioles pitcher, he previously spent the past 11 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. Drew Pomeranz only lasted four innings, getting pulled after the Orioles scored four in the fourth. Pomeranz let up seven hits and walked three. He struck out a season-low of two. Mookie Betts doubled twice and hit his 14th homer this season. One day after Machado took the AL lead with his 14th homer, Betts tied him with his solo shot in the third and his three-hit night raised his American League leading batting average to .371.

“He’s a dangerous combination right now,” Cobb said of Betts. “Betts is just locked in. He’s where every ballplayer strives to get to.”

“I can’t remember the last time we won a game on a road,” said Machado after the Orioles win.

“It’s just pretty frustrating,” Pomeranz said. “You put so much time and effort into it and you want to throw a good game for your team, especially the way our offense is. Just trying to keep us in the game, and I didn’t do that tonight.”

Porcello vs. Bundy – Mookie Betts Is Still the Best in the MLB

Betts hit a two run homer before Andrew Benintendi followed with a homer of his own in the fifth inning, and the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-3 on Saturday night. The rain was not enough to stop Mookie from having himself a night. Mookie is hitting a major-league best .368 with 15 homers and 32 RBI’s out of the lead off spot for the Sox. Rick Porcello gave up three runs over six innings, with nine strikeouts, and three walks. Alvarez’s two run homer got it to 4-3 in the sixth, but Benintendi’s single made it 6-3 in the seventh. Craig Kimbrel captured his 13th save of the season. Eduardo Rodriguez is set to start against his former team on Sunday.

“It’s incredible. It’s a lot of fun to watch. I don’t know what to say,” pitcher Rick Porcello said. “When he gets his pitch, he’s not missing it. When he doesn’t get his pitch, he’s not missing it.”

“He’s in a groove right now. But, it’s not like he’s hot-hot,” Benintendi said. “It feels like he can get hotter.”

Rodriguez vs. Hess – the Sox Take the Series Win over Orioles

Eduardo Rodriguez held the Orioles scoreless over almost six innings to earn the win. Rodriguez let up nine hits with no walks and seven strikeouts, improving his record to 4-1 and lowering his ERA to 4.13. J.D. Martinez recorded his eighth career multi-homer game and first with the Red Sox. He led off the second inning with a first-pitch homer to left then added a two-run shot in the fifth to tie Mookie Betts for the Major League lead in home runs with 15. Mitch Moreland doubled before Martinez hit his second homer of the day. His first came in the second inning. Andrew Benintendi hit his fifth home run of the season to bring both himself and another runner in to score. The Sox got the win 5-0 to end the series and this home stand.

Up Next

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia went zero for three in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday and he will play at some point in the next week. Alex Cora said he’d like to see Pedroia play consecutive games before coming back to the majors. The Sox are 31-15 and hold first place in the AL East. The Red Sox will travel to Tampa Bay for a three game series versus the Rays, and then return home for a weekend series against the Atlanta Braves.

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Carson Smith’s Self-inflicted Injury

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Carson Smith Regrets Decision To Throw Glove

Via NESN

You thought the Red Sox were going up after starting the season 17-2. Alex Cora had connected with the players, getting through to them, then reality reared its ugly head. First, whiny David Price can’t pitch because he doesn’t know how to take Zyrtec or Claritin for his allergies. Now Carson Smith injures himself because he threw his glove in frustration last night in the loss to the Oakland Athletics.

The Red Sox Will Not Discipline him

Both Dave Dombrowski and Alex Cora spoke about the injury today saying that it could be significant. All over throwing a glove in anger. Dombrowski said “I’m sure at some point we’ll get a second opinion. But I don’t know the severity of it. But I’m not expecting him back in 10 days by any means at this point. We’ll see how severe it ends up being. But it’s got the potential to be a major injury.” Smith seemed apologetic and the team isn’t expected to discipline the reliever.

Avoidable Injury

The last thing this team needs is an injury to a reliever struggling in the late innings of games recently. Carson Smith spoke about the injury today and appearing emotional, according to Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston. ” I think fatigue played a factor in my shoulder and my shoulder just couldn’t handle it.” “I think my shoulder’s tired in general, it’s just from pitching. I’ve thrown a lot lately and I think my arm was just tired” Said Smith. Smith also said it’s never happened to him before but he does throw his glove every day while warming up.

To face potential surgery because Carson Smith decided to throw his glove is unreal. For a major league pitcher to end a season because of a self-inflicted wound defies logic. In the video below, you can hear Carson Smith sound like David Price saying that the 14 innings he’s pitched so far made his arm tired. He’s pitched only 23 innings over the last three seasons, and it’s only May. All I can say is thank God he and Price don’t play football. They’d last maybe a couple of hours playing for Belichick.

Joe Kelly Becoming A Key Bullpen Piece

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When the Red Sox acquired Joe Kelly at the 2014 trade deadline they envisioned him becoming a rotation fixture. Four years later Kelly has turned into a key bullpen piece. As a starter he has never been able to pitch deep into games forcing the Sox to move him into the bullpen. In Kelly’s first season as a reliever he recorded a 2.79 ERA. Through eighteen appearances this year Kelly as been even better in a Red Sox Bullpen that has struggled at times.

Moving Joe Kelly Into The Bullpen

Kelly has always been known for his fastball that can top 100 mph . This was a problem for the flamethrower as a starter he was unable to control it. Since being moved into the bullpen his control has improved. In fifty eight innings last year he struck out fifty two batters. He struck out twenty four batters over his last twenty innings and opponents hit .202 against him. Kelly struggled last year in the second half but his .279 ERA was still impressive. For the Red Sox it seems like they have finally been able to salvage something from the John Lackey Trade. In 2018 Kelly is only adding to that narrative.

Photo Credit: David Kohl- USA Today Sports

His 2018 Season So Far

This season has been an interesting one for Kelly. He became a fan favorite for what happened in the Yankees first series at Fenway. His work on the mound has been even more impressive than his fighting skills. Kelly has thrown nineteen innings, striking out twenty two batters with an ERA of 2.23. The Red Sox have used him in high leverage situations as he has two saves on the year after having none last year. When Kimbrel was unavailable Kelly was not the reliever called on to close out games. Kelly is becoming one of Manager Alex Cora’s most trusted weapons.

Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/ Getty Images

What To Expect

As the season goes on Kelly is expected to be one of the Red Sox most used relievers. Kelly’s opportunities in high leverage situations will be determined by his performance. The right-hander will be a free agent at the end of the year which will keep him highly motivated. The Red Sox had high expectations when they traded for Joe Kelly in 2014. If he can continue his impressive start then it could be a special season for the former starter.

David Price Acts Like A Little Kid

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David Price Is A Full-Time Complainer

Via CBS Sports

I swear there is always something with this $31 million dollar pitcher. All David Price does is complain about everything like a little kid. These are David Price weaknesses. Fresh cut grass and dogs, however, he has two of them. Cats, cold weather, Video Games, pitching in Texas against the Rangers, Pitching against the Yankees, and he can’t pitch in the postseason. I’m sorry but that does not sound like a guy who is ready to pitch on a big league team. Price couldn’t pitch a bullpen in Texas on Sunday because of allergies. Like seriously take a Claritin or Zyrtec and just pitch. Price sounds like a little kid who wants attention negative or positive.

David Price Is A Joke

Via GIPHY

Price spoke to the media today and it was classic Price. He won’t play Fortnite in the clubhouse anymore because of the talk it has made these last few days. Price also said playing Fornite isn’t the cause of his Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If that wasn’t true he’d still be playing it in the clubhouse. Also, him complaining about the laundry detergent the Tampa Bay Rays used when he was playing for them. The Rays had to wash Price’s clothes separately. What a disaster! Price is nothing but a baby and a complete waste of money like Pablo Sandoval, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez. I want to know what’s going to happen in October when the weather is cold, the allergies start kicking in and Price can’t pitch. That would put a dagger in the starting rotation.

Boy, does Alex Cora have his hands full with David Price. You would think with a new manager Price would want to turn things around. Nope, he wants to act like a teenage girl and be a complete drama queen. I, personally, am done to hear his constant complaining about the weather, and his dogs, cats and not liking it here. All I want, along with the rest of Red Sox Nation, is for him to shut up, pitch and win games.

Expectations for a Healthy Tyler Thornburg

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When the Red Sox acquired Tyler Thornburg in the 2016 offseason, they envisioned him becoming a critical bullpen piece. Since the trade, Thornburg has not thrown a pitch for the Red Sox due to thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder. The former Brewer could rejoin the Red Sox soon as he began his rehab assignment Monday. Thornburg was impressive in his first appearance considering the last time he pitched any kind of regular season game was in 2016. He could be a very welcomed addition to the Red Sox bullpen if he can return to his old form.

Red Sox Trade for Thornburg

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg, he was coming of a dominant season in which he recorded a 2.15 ERA. He had recorded thirteen saves and struck out ninety batters in just 67 innings. He held batters to a .167 average, and was particularly dominant on lefties, who hit a measly .130 against him. In exchange for him, the Sox gave up prospects and Travis Shaw, who has broken out as the Brewers’ starting third baseman. This hurt the Red Sox as they struggled to get any production from third base until the MLB debut of Rafael Devers last year. Thornburg could still make it a good trade for the Sox, but the team will ease him back in.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Where Thornburg Fits In

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg he was supposed to be a dominant late inning reliever. He still could be, but the Sox will be careful. Like with Carson Smith when he returned from Tommy John, the Red Sox will not use Thornburg in high leverage situations at first. The priority will be getting him comfortable on a Major League mound again. In his first rehab appearance he struck out three, showing that his strikeout stuff is still there. By the end of the season he could be the setup man for Kimbrel.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

What to Expect

People will have to be patient with Thornburg, as he is coming off a difficult injury. It would be a surprise if he came back and dominated right away. The Red Sox will give him every opportunity to succeed. If he can return to his old form then the Red Sox get one of the best relievers in baseball without having to give anything up. Thornburg’s timetable is still uncertain and the Red Sox will be very cautious with his rehab. One thing is for sure- he will be more determined than ever and the Sox could be in store for something special. Getting him back to where he was in 2016 could be better than any trade the Red Sox could make.

The Red Sox Travel to Texas to Take on the Rangers

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The Red Sox Are on to Texas

Via Gambling SitesThe 20-8 Boston Red Sox will be in Texas to take on the Rangers this weekend. The Rangers record is 20-8, and hopefully the Red Sox bats keep coming alive. Mookie Betts has been on fire lately and had himself a three home run game against Kansas City. Last night, David Price took the mound against Mike Minor. It was nice and warm in Texas, but David Price wasn’t able to get the job done. Besides that weird outing against the Yankees, Price has pitched pretty well. However, the bats seem to be quiet when Price and even Chris Sale pitch.

The Pitching Matchups

Today, Rick Porcello gets the start against Bartolo Colon. Porcello is off to a better start than last year. Rick Porcello currently is 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA. He has only given up one home run in his four starts. The former Cy Young winner looks to have another great season like he did two years ago. It seems like Bartolo Colon has pitched since the beginning of baseball. Colon is almost 45 years old, and he’s still pitching. He has a 3.00 ERA in 31 innings so far this season. We’ll see how much longer this guy pitches, but it doesn’t look like he’s retiring anytime soon.

Saturday Eduardo Rodriguez is going against Cole Hamels. Rodriguez was on family leave and missed three games. If Rodriguez can’t make the start, the Red Sox have Brian Johnson or Hector Velazquez. Lastly, Chris Sale will play on Sunday against Doug Fister in an afternoon game. Chris Sale hasn’t gotten the run support lately when he pitches.

The New York Yankees Are Creeping Up

This series is important, as the Yankees are creeping up right behind the Red Sox for first place. The Red Sox lead the division with a game and a half lead over the New York Yankees. This four-game series could be a difference maker in the division come Monday.