CHICAGO - The Red Sox finished up their series here with a flat performance all around, being shutout by the Chicago White Sox, 8-0. It marked the sixth time this season the Sox have been shutout this season and gave them only a split of their four-game set here with Chicago.
James Shields limited Boston to four hits over six innings. Meanwhile Red Sox starter Brian Johnson endured his worst start of the season, lifted after just an inning and a third, having dug a 4-0 hole for the Sox.
IN-GAME OBSERVATIONS
4:53 As if things weren't bad enough for the Sox, William Cuevas leaves with some sort of injury. Not word yet on the nature of the injury, but, even with expanded rosters, this will be a challenge for Alex Cora, especially after starter Brian Johnson left in the second inning.
4;14 Well, you don't see that very often - White Sox outfielder Daniel Palka hit a fly ball down the right field line that was mistakenly ruled a homer, with the fireworks set off at Guaranteed Rate Field. But the homer was waved off by the umpires who ruled it foul, and after trotting around the bases, Palka somewhat sheepishly had to get back in the batter's box. Then, three pitches later, Palka hit another ball to right -- this fair -- and into the right field seats. Cue the fireworks --this time for real -- again.
3:53 The White Sox are off and running on reliever Bobby Poyner, who's not doing a good job controlling the running game. The White Sox are 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts in this inning.
3:22 It's pretty clear that Brian Johnson doesn't have it today. He's given up six hits to the first 10 hitters he's faced and walked another.
WHO: Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
WHEN: 2:10 p.m.
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field
WHAT'S UP: The Red Sox bounced back from Friday's loss with a 6-1 victory Saturday night, thanks to the solid pitching of Eduardo Rodriguez, who was making his first start in six weeks. The Sox have now won four-of-five and are 38-14 since July 2. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is currently nine. Over the last 19 games, they've committed just four errors, the fewest in MLB in that span. A number of Red Sox regulars have had great success against White Sox starter James Shields: J.D. Martinez is 10-for-24 (.417) while Eduardo Nunez is .448 with three homers.
STARTING PITCHERS: LHP Brian Johnson (4-3, 4.02) vs. RHP James Shields (5-15, 4.54).
TV/RADIO: NESN/WEEI 93.7 FM
LINEUPS
Betts RF
Bogaerts SS
Moreland 1B
Martinez LF
Nunez 3B
Kinsler 2B
Holt DH
Swihart C
Bradley CF
WHITE SOX
LaMarre RF
Anderson SS
Davidson 1B
Palka LF
Rondon DH
Smith C
Moncada 2B
Sanchez 3B
Engel CF
NEWS AND NOTES:
- Chris Sale could return to the Red Sox rotation as soon as next weekend when the Red Sox host Houston at Fenway. Sale would be used as an "opener,'' modeled after what the Tampa Bay Rays have done this year. Without minor league games available for rehab assignments (most minor league affiliates play only through Labor Day), the Sox have to find games for Sale to build up arm strength and have chosen to have him pitch two innings or so at the start to work his way back. "We're very positive he should be on the mound soon,'' said Alex Cora. "We'll build him up little-by-little.''
- David Price will throw some in Atlanta over the next couple of days as the Red Sox plot out his return to the mound. It could come next weekend against the Astros, or it could be delayed until the next series. Either way, the Red Sox aren't concerned. "He should be fine,'' said Cora.
- Andrew Benintendi was given the day off, as Cora detected some frustrate of late with him.
- With three games upcoming in Atlanta and no DH available to the Sox, J.D. Martinez will get at least one games off in the series. It could be Monday