HOUSTON – Doug Fister will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros, with Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez all in play for a Game 4 start Monday.
“To me, the later action to the stuff and a little bit more consistent sink,’’ explained John Farrell, when asked about his choice to go with Fister in Game 3 over Porcello. “There’s been a little bit more separation between the sinker and his curve ball. That’s probably what it came down to, in addition to performance and recognizing guys have pitched well in certain spots and there’s been some challenges mixed in for both.
“We just felt like that was the way to go.’’
As for Game 4 on Monday, Sale, the Game 1 starter, is still in play on three days’ rest.
“Have not closed that off,’’ said Farrell. “That’s going to depend on what today gives us. That’s where we are. If (Thursday) is a deep start on his part, that’s something we’ll have to work through as we get past these first couple of days. And Eddie’s also a possibility to go in Game 4.’’
One small surprise in putting together the roster was including Austin Maddox. Maddox has allowed just one in 13 big league appearances.
“The (few high-leverage spots) we did put him in, it didn’t change his approach, didn’t change his mound presence, or his demeanor,’’ said Farrell. “We felt like some of the work load with other guys started to show and that’s a tough decision when you have a guy like (Matt Barnes) who’s been a key member of your bullpen all season and you go in a different direction. That’s where the decisions are difficult.’’
With Maddox on the staff, Robby Scott is not, leaving the Sox without a situational lefty, per se. For now, Rodriguez would be the choice if the Sox need a lefty from the bullpen to get a hitter or two.
“We”ll wait and see how things unfold,’’ said Farrell. “He’ll be in the bullpen for the first two nights for length and be available for Game 4, depending on what transpires.’’
The other tough call for Farrell included taking Rajai Davis as the extra outfielder over veteran Chris Young.
“If we weren’t in the situation to need the extra infielders (to protect both Dustin Pedroia and Eduardo Nunez), he would be (on the roster),’’ explained Farrell. “I can respect his thoughts and opinions and desire to be on this roster and I respect him as a person and as a player. But I felt like our team need was to have the coverage defensively in the infield.’’