Boston Red Sox Show Resilience Despite Pitching Struggles as Bats Heat Up
Over recent weeks, the state of pitching for the Boston Red Sox has been less than stellar. The team’s pitchers have clocked a disconcerting 5.86 ERA since the All-Star break, leaving them with the third-highest in Major League Baseball during that period. Particularly troubling has been the performance of the starting rotation.
Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford are on the brink of setting personal records for innings pitched. Seasoned pitcher James Paxton has had a challenging year and is nearing the most innings he has thrown in four seasons.
Meanwhile, Brayan Bello and Nick Pivetta have shown unpredictable form. Despite these challenges, the Red Sox offense has surged, providing strong support.
Since returning from the All-Star break, Boston hitters have led MLB with an impressive .921 OPS, leaving their closest competitors trailing. The Yankees follow with an .882, and the Diamondbacks are at .871. The offensive strength comes from a robust display of extra-base hits, comprising 50 doubles, four triples, and 28 homers in just 15 games.
Among those contributing significantly are Dominic Smith and Rafael Devers, who share the lead with 10 doubles each since the break. Tyler O’Neill has showcased his power with six homers, while Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refnsyder, and Jarren Duran have all delivered crucial hits to keep the momentum going. Duran, fresh from his All-Star Game MVP performance, has notably added three triples to his tally.
While the hitters have thrived, the stumbling pitching could threaten Boston’s postseason aspirations if it doesn’t find stability. However, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon.
Injured players including Chris Martin and Liam Hendriks, the latter poised for his team debut, are making progress towards rejoining the squad. In addition, Triston Casas is expected to conclude his rehab assignment by August 19.
To sustain their playoff goals, it’s imperative that the Red Sox maintain their offensive prowess and welcome their returning players back into the fold. With key players on the verge of a comeback, Boston has a chance to rally as September approaches. If the bats stay hot and the bullpen improves, the Red Sox could be well-positioned for a critical segment of the season.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
