John Farrell described the Red Sox’ play of late as sloppy.
After dropping its third consecutive game, a 7-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday at Fenway Park, Boston has been outscored 36-9 during this stretch.
The fact that the offense has been non-existent, and the defense has been spotty, there’s no need to panic. The Sox still own the top spot in the A.L. East and there’s still plenty of baseball remaining to turn things around.
It also helps that Dustin Pedroia (knee), Jackie Bradley Jr. (thumb) and David Price (elbow) are on the road to recovery. If all three can return sooner than later it would bode well for the Sox down the stretch.
Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on seven hits. The left-hander recorded seven strikeouts, walked one and surrendered a two-run home run to the Orioles’ Tim Beckham in the top of the second inning.
Orioles starter Kevin Gausman was solid. The right-hander worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed only four hits, with three walks and five strikeouts. He threw 177 pitches, 77 strikes.
GAME NO.: 129
WHO: Red Sox (73-55) vs Baltimore Orioles (63-65)
WHEN: 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park
TV: NESN
RADIO: WEEI (93.7 FM)
PITCHERS: Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 4.01) vs. Kevin Gausman (9-9, 5.25)
BOX SCORE: MLB Gameday
IN-GAME OBSERVATIONS
- Gausman was solid. The right-hander worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed only four hits, with three walks and five strikeouts. He threw 177 pitches, 77 strikes.
- Eduardo Rodriguez is given the hook with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. The left-handed starter allowed five runs on seven hits. He tossed 117 pitches. Reliever Brandon Workman is pitching.
- Rodriguez finishes the top of the sixth inning at 106 pitches. Workman has been warming in the bullpen.
- Other than the horrible second inning, Sox starter Rodriguez hasn't been too bad. Yes, he did allow five runs on four hits in the second, but he retired eight of the next 10 batters he's faced.
- Well, maybe not. The Sox are retired in order in the bottom of the fourth. Gausman has allowed only one hit.
- When a team is struggling at the plate, a strong defensive play sometimes can help spark the bats. The Sox finished the top of the fourth inning with a 4-6-3 DP. Let's see if it translates in the bottom half.
- The Red Sox simply can't generate any offense of late. There are too many sloppy at-bats. Gausman struck out the side in the bottom of the third inning.
- After retiring the side in order in the top of the first inning, Red Sox starter Rodriguez imploded in the second inning, allowing five runs on four hits, including a three-run homer by Tim Beckham. This isn't the type of outing the Sox need right now, especially after the last two games.
- Tim Beckham, SS
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Jonathan School, 2B
- Adam Jones, CF
- Trey Mancini, LF
- Chris Davis, 1B
- Mark Trumbo, DH
- Caleb Joseph, C
- Craig Gentry, RF
- Eduardo Nunez, 2B
- Mookie Betts, RF
- Andrew Benintendi, CF
- Hanley Ramirez, DH
- Rafael Davis, 3B
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Mitch Moreland, 1B
- Chris Young, LF
- Christian Vazquez, C
- Dustin Pedroia was on the field early for defensive work and said he felt good afterwards. He also participated in full BP. "He keeps making positive steps," said John Farrell. "Still, we don't have a return date." The manager added that Pedroia will continue to ramp up his activities as he gets closer to returning from the DL. It hasn't been decided whether or not he'll need a minor-league rehab stint before being activated.
- David Price throw from a distance of 120 feet as he ramps back up with his throwing program.
- Jackie Bradley Jr. is encouraged by the reduced swelling and soreness in his left thumb. Farrell explained the outfielder is using a small splint. "The fact that he's responded favorably in the last 24 hours, the coming days will impact his return."
- Nunez had a MRI taken on his thumb after Friday's game and it came back clean. He took early BP in the cage and then it was decided he was good to go.