Latest news with #ConnorWong
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Red Sox superstar might miss return to Boston
Former Red Sox star Mookie Betts might miss Friday's game against his former team when the Dodgers come to Boston. His status for the remainder of the three-game series is uncertain. Dodger manager Dave Roberts said Betts could miss the game to deal with some unspecified off-the-field issues. 'There might be some things going on that he might not be around, that he's got to deal with personally,' Roberts told after Wednesday's win over the Minnesota Twins. 'Everything is okay with him, but yeah, we'll see.' After struggling with illness in spring training, Betts is battling through a season-long slump, hitting .238 with an OPS of .679. Both are career lows. He has 11 home runs and has driven in 45 runs. Betts spent the first six seasons of his career in Boston and was the 2018 MVP while leading the Red Sox to a World Series victory. Amid rumors that he wouldn't re-sign in Boston as a free agent, Betts was traded to the Dodgers in 2020 for Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong in a deal that still angers Boston fans. He's been an All-Star and has earned MVP votes in four of his first five years as a Dodger. He didn't play in Wednesday's game for Los Angeles. More Red Sox coverage Red Sox' 'uber-athletic' 1st-rounder cracks Keith Law's Top 60, along with 2 other prospects Fenway Insider Live: Sean McAdam on trade deadline, potential Red Sox moves Red Sox righty said he'd be the janitor to stay in MLB; now he's a 'dude out of the bullpen' again Red Sox rookie finds redemption with game-winning HR after 'crazy' calls ruined two days Red Sox get 'hero moment' from lefty-masher, grind out 'signature win' after trailing by 5 Read the original article on MassLive.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Why Red Sox Need This Trade Upgrade For Second Consecutive Season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Boston Red Sox are in position to buy at the MLB trade deadline despite a 2-4 slump against top talent coming out of the All-Star break. A frontline starting pitcher and a first baseman are the main priorities for Boston, but it's clear another position to needs to be upgraded for the second consecutive summer. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 2: Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox hits a single during the second inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 2025 at Fenway Park in... BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 2: Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox hits a single during the second inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. More Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston/Getty Images Boston moved on from backup catcher Reese McGuire last summer and traded for Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen to pair with Connor Wong, who found a surge in his bat. This year, Carlos Narvaez outplayed Wong to win the starting job following an offseason trade with the New York Yankees. Narvaez continues to pace MLB backstops in runners caught stealing and defensive runs saved, though he's manned a heavy workload through the first 100 games of the season. The Red Sox have gotten next to nothing from Wong, who is yet to deliver a hit with runners in scoring position. He has just one run driven in this season to the tune of a .372 OPS. It won't take much for Boston to earn an upgrade and the market isn't loaded. If the chance comes around, for the sake of Narvaez's help, the Red Sox need to be proactive behind the plate. More MLB: Yankees Have Competition From 11 Teams For All-Star Third Baseman: Report
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Struggling Red Sox Catcher Perfectly Fits Division Rival's Trade Deadline Need
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to bolster the roster at the trade deadline as they've now taken over first place in the American League East. General manager Ross Atkins knows this is a chance to make some noise and get his team into the playoffs. MLB insider Bob Nightengale is reporting the team will do what it takes. "The Toronto Blue Jays, who have won the AL East just once since 1993, have the entire country of Canada in a frenzy after finishing off a four-game sweep of the Yankees for the first time in franchise history, and moving into first place," Nightengale wrote on Sunday. "Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins also boldly stated that the Blue Jays will be ultra-aggressive at the trade deadline, seeking a starter and a catcher." There aren't many options available, but with the Boston Red Sox a possible seller, the Blue Jays could look to pry away backup catcher Connor Wong. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 2: Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox walks out to the bullpen before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.... BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 2: Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox walks out to the bullpen before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 2, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. MoreWong's offensive numbers this season aren't great. He entered Monday slashing .150/.242/.150 for the Red Sox. However, he's only received 80 at-bats this season. The Red Sox will ride Carlos Narváez for most of the season, which leaves Wong expendable. Wong's defensive skills are what would make him worthwhile in a trade. Contenders are always looking for backup catchers that have a defensive-first mindset which Wong would provide for the Blue Jays. Even though he won't become a free agent until after the 2028 season, Toronto should not have to give up much to acquire his services. Current backup catcher Tyler Heineman could even be part of the return. More MLB: Alex Bregman 'Almost Certain' to Opt Out; 'Blank Check' Needed to Return
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
José Berríos, Blue Jays bullpen keep Red Sox bats silent in 9-0 series-opening win
Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong, right, misses a tag on Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, who slides safely into home plate in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox second baseman David Hamilton, right, waits for the throw as the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. dives into the base safely with a steal of second in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement (22) is greeted at the dugout after he scored in the second inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox third baseman Nick Sogard, left, and catcher Connor Wong, right, lie on the ground after neither could make a diving catch of a second-inning bunt foul ball during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox third baseman Nick Sogard, left, and catcher Connor Wong, right, lie on the ground after neither could make a diving catch of a second-inning bunt foul ball during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong, right, misses a tag on Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, who slides safely into home plate in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox second baseman David Hamilton, right, waits for the throw as the Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. dives into the base safely with a steal of second in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement (22) is greeted at the dugout after he scored in the second inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) Boston Red Sox third baseman Nick Sogard, left, and catcher Connor Wong, right, lie on the ground after neither could make a diving catch of a second-inning bunt foul ball during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Boston. (AP/Photo/Jim Davis) BOSTON (AP) — José Berríos pitched seven scoreless innings, George Springer had three hits and two RBI singles, and the Toronto Blue Jays earned a 9-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night. Bo Bichette, Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez also drove in runs for Toronto, which has won six of eight meetings with its AL East rivals this season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added two hits. Advertisement Berríos (4-3) allowed just four hits and struck out eight and surrendered only one walk in handing Boston its sixth loss in a row. Boston's Brayan Bello (3-3) gave up three runs off eight hits over six innings with a strikeout. But he didn't get support from a Red Sox lineup that has managed just four runs over their last three games. Boston was held to one run or none for the 15th time this season. Boston opponents have scored at least eight runs four times over the last nine games — all Red Sox losses. Guerrero Jr. was a late addition the the Blue Jays' lineup. He left their series finale win over Cleveland on Thursday after being hit by a pitch in his right forearm. X-rays didn't reveal a fracture, but manager John Schneider originally was going to be cautious and start Clement at first base. Advertisement Key moment With runners on first and second with two outs in the first, Springer lined a single to center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela. Guerrero Jr., who was on second, tried to score and was called out on Rafaela's throw home to catcher Connor Wong. Toronto challenged, and replay showed Wong missed on the tag, overturning the call. Key stat This marks the first six-game losing streak for Boston since Sept. 26, 2022. Up next RHP Chris Bassitt (7-3, 3.61 ERA) is set to start to make his 17th start of the season for the Blue Jays on Saturday. RHP Lucas Giolito (3-1, 4.53) is slated to make his 11th start for the Red Sox. ___ AP MLB:
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Carlos Narvaez considered bunting before hitting key homer for Red Sox in win over Yankees
Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez made his return to Yankee Stadium over the weekend, and had one of the biggest swings for Boston in Sunday night's 11-7 victory in the Bronx. It was a swing that almost didn't happen. Narvaez went yard in the top of the sixth, smacking a three-run shot off Yankees starter Carlos Rodon to put the Red Sox ahead, 5-3. It was part of a five-run inning for Boston, and the Red Sox ended up taking two out of three from the first-place Yankees in the weekend set. It was a special moment for Narvaez, who spent nearly a decade as a Yankees prospect before he was acquired by the Red Sox over the offseason. Boston swung a trade for Narvaez shortly after prospect Kyle Teel was dealt away in the package for ace Garrett Crochet, though his acquisition didn't garner much attention at the time. Narvaez has been great for Boston since he arrived. He won a spot on the Opening Day roster as the backup backstop to Connor Wong, and took over as Boston's everyday catcher when Wong was lost to a finger injury in April. The 26-year-old has been one of the bright spots on a disappointing Red Sox team so far. He's become Boston's everyday cleanup hitter and through 50 games, Narvaez is now slashing .282/.361/.459 with six homers, 12 doubles, 22 RBI, and 28 runs scored. But his big swing Sunday night almost didn't happen for a couple of reasons. First up, Boston manager Alex Cora nearly sat Narvaez for the series finale after he caught the first two games. He was 0-for-6 with three walks in the first two games, so Cora considered giving him a rest. Instead, he let Narvaez play and it paid off in a big way. "He put together some good at-bats, went the other way, worked the count and he pulled it in the air and that was a huge one for us," Cora said of Narvaez's homer. Second, Narvaez considered bunting when he initially stepped to the dish. Rafael Devers and Rob Refsnyder were on base with no outs, and Narvaez thought about moving them over with a bunt. He even discussed the approach with third-base coach Kyle Hudson before his at-bat. "I was like, 'OK, I'm just going to be aggressive.' And then that happened," Narvaez explained. "I found myself in a two-strike approach, just put the ball in play. I'm happy I found some barrel and then we came back and won the game." Falling behind in the count was the best thing that could have happened to Narvaez, whose homer went 372 feet to left field and sparked the Boston comeback. For the former Yankees prospect, going yard against his old team -- and having the blast play a big part in the victory -- made for an evening he won't soon forget. "Something special, but more because we found a way to get back in the game," said Narvaez. "The homer was huge for us."
