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New York Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Arsenal squad audit: Every player's future explained going into the summer
At Arsenal this summer, most of the focus will be on incoming business — but they will need to get their existing players in order to mount another title charge. While recruitment will be necessary, contract extensions and sales will be equally important to ensure a smooth transition into next season. Advertisement On Wednesday, the club confirmed several players will be leaving either in sales or at the end of loans, including Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, Raheem Sterling and Neto. Here, The Athletic assesses the situation of each member of the Arsenal first team ahead of 2025-26. David Raya, aged 29 (contract expires: 2028) The consistency the Spain international has shown, especially last season, has proven Mikel Arteta right in his pursuit two summers ago. Like others, next summer he will be within two years of his contract expiring, so Arsenal could soon be looking to negotiate an extension. Neto, 35 (loan ends 2025) With just one appearance last season, it was no surprise when the club confirmed yesterday that he would return to Bournemouth when his loan ends. Tommy Setford, 19 (2028) The England Under-20 international was unlucky with injuries in his debut season, but did make his debut in the League Cup. His contract length would see him be a passable third-choice option next season, but recruiting a strong backup for Raya will require attention, especially with Joan Garcia now on Barcelona's radar. Karl Hein, 23 (2026) In his loan spell at Real Valladolid, Hein played more games (32) than in the rest of his senior career combined. The Estonia goalkeeper's deal expires at the end of next season but there is an option for another year. Another loan this year may be suitable before looking to sell next summer. Ben White, 27 (2028) The 2024-25 campaign was an anomaly for White. It was the only season since he joined Arsenal that he had failed to make over 30 league appearances, as he missed four months after undergoing knee surgery. With no contractual issues, the focus will be on getting back to full fitness to provide the consistency of previous years. Jurrien Timber, 23 (2028) Timber turns 24 this month and will look to build on a strong season. Three and a half years White's junior, he may be a bigger priority to extend, but that is not yet an urgent matter. Takehiro Tomiyasu, 26 (2026) Tomiyasu has had horrid luck with injuries. He played just eight minutes of football in 2024-25, and his versatility was sorely missed. There is an option for another year on his deal, and considering he will be injured throughout this summer window, activating that option may be a smart move to hold onto any sale value for future windows. Advertisement William Saliba, 24 (2027) Extending Saliba's contract is a priority for Arsenal, and The Athletic reported on May 9 that the club had opened talks with the centre-back. The Champions League clashes with Real Madrid brought expected rumours about his future, but Madrid have since signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Gabriel, 27 (2027) Arsenal are unimaginable without Saliba and/or Gabriel at the back. The final-day win at Southampton was the first time in 148 consecutive league games that neither player had started for Arsenal — a run going back to August 2021. Thankfully for Arsenal, Gabriel is close to signing a new long-term contract. Just like in the 2022-23 season, he is expected to be the first of the group of players who have two years left on their deals to commit his future. Jakub Kiwior, 25 (2028) Arsenal could have a dilemma over the centre-back this summer. Kiwior has enough time on his contract to keep him in his current role, and he proved how well he can deputise for Gabriel when given consistent minutes. On the other hand, his end-of-season performances could help attract bids if Arsenal need to raise funds for incoming deals. This could be the time to cash in on a player who should be worth more than the £20million ($27.1m in today's exchange) they spent on him in 2023. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18 (2026) Lewis-Skelly's current deal was his first professional contract, which could only be three years in length. Whether he broke into the first team last season or not, renegotiations would have been expected this summer. Having made 39 first-team appearances, and two for England, he deserves to be rewarded. Riccardo Calafiori, 23 (2029) The Italy defender showed glimpses of brilliance in his debut season, but his availability was an issue. If Arsenal decide to move on Kiwior, he can be a deputy option as a left-sided centre-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28 (2026) The Ukraine international had a transformative effect on Arsenal when he signed in 2022, but now feels a natural time to part ways. Arteta's use of him in midfield late in the season could be a timely reminder to potential clubs of Zinchenko's natural position. Arsenal signed Zinchenko for around £30million, but recouping a fee in that region appears unlikely. Advertisement Kieran Tierney, 27 (2025) The Scot will re-join Celtic on a pre-contractual agreement this summer. It is sad his Arsenal career pivoted from being a potential captain to the exit door, but at least he had a nice farewell moment with his goal at Southampton. Nuno Tavares, 25 (2025) One of a few players who have spent multiple seasons away on loan, Arsenal expect Lazio to activate their option to buy Tavares after he spent 2024-25 on loan at the Serie A club. Martin Odegaard, 26 (2028) Most of Arsenal's 2028 contracts come in midfield, including Odegaard. He struggled to find his best form last season after suffering a two-month ankle injury. Using the summer to condition himself well for next term will be essential as, like White, Arsenal need him back at his best. Declan Rice, 26 (2028) Rice is another 2028 contract, but different in that he has possibly exceeded expectations since he signed in 2023. He has hit his personal-best numbers for goal involvements in both seasons at Arsenal, with 16 in 2023-24 and 19 in 2024-25. Contract-wise, he will likely be the biggest priority alongside Odegaard from the 2028 group. Mikel Merino, 28 (2028) After a slow start (and pre-season injury), Merino exploded into life as Arteta's makeshift centre-forward at the end of the season. With Kai Havertz back fit and the expected signing of both centre-forwards and central midfielders, his involvement next season will be interesting to track. Contractually, next summer may be Arsenal's best chance to move Merino on for a considerable fee, but keeping his experience could be beneficial. Thomas Partey, 31 (2025) The Athletic reported in April that Arsenal want to keep Partey and were in talks over a new deal and the club confirmed yesterday they are in discussions. However, with the expected arrival of Martin Zubimendi and Partey turning 32 this month, he may not be relied upon as often as he was in 2024-25. Advertisement Ethan Nwaneri, 18 (2026) Arsenal are in talks with Nwaneri over a new deal, as they are with Lewis-Skelly. Used more sparingly as the season drew to a close, more clarity on his on-pitch development may be needed. While outsiders saw how effective he was deputising for Bukayo Saka on the right, he is naturally an attacking midfielder. Jorginho, 33 (2025) His exit at the end of his deal was confirmed yesterday, and Flamengo are looking to bring the midfielder in ahead of the Club World Cup. Albert Sambi Lokonga, 25 (2026) Arsenal took up an option to give the midfielder an additional year on his contract with the hopes of selling him permanently this summer. Sevilla did not activate their option to buy him, but Lokonga's preference would be to stay in Spain. Fabio Vieira, 25 (2027) The writing was on the wall for Vieira when Nwaneri was starting ahead of him last pre-season. Returning to boyhood club Porto on loan, he made 39 appearances, scoring five and assisting another five goals. This summer, finding a buying club for Vieira should be on Arsenal's agenda. Bukayo Saka, 23 (2027) Integral to Arsenal's progress since he broke into the team, many will be wondering what could have been if Saka had not suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for three months of last season. The winger hit 10 league assists by November, and ended the campaign with 25 goal involvements. Agreeing fresh terms for him this summer is as much a priority as with Gabriel and Saliba. Kai Havertz, 25 (2028) Another victim of a hamstring injury, Havertz played a key role last season. Like Rice, he improved on the numbers of his debut season by scoring 15 goals in 36 games compared to the 14 in 51 games in 2023-24. Still an important member of the squad, his versatility may be called on more next season with the expected arrival of a new centre-forward. Similar to Merino, however, that does not have to be viewed as a negative. Instead, Arsenal not relying solely on Havertz would show that their squad is improving. He still has three years on his contract, but the impact new signings have on his minutes could lead to a dilemma next summer. Gabriel Jesus, 28 (2027) Jesus will spend this summer recovering from an ACL injury. The Brazil forward can count himself extremely unlucky as he showed flashes of the player who changed the trajectory of the club when he signed in last season's Christmas period. Had he been fit this summer, facilitating a sale would have made sense, but that will have to wait now. Leandro Trossard, 30 (2027) Similar to Kiwior, Trossard causes a dilemma for Arsenal this summer. The forward has been one of Arsenal's most reliable players in front of goal since signing in 2023, with 28 goals and 23 assists. But he is now 30. The Athletic reported last month that Arsenal were in talks with him over a new deal, which would represent a pay rise rather than an extension. While that would be the ideal situation for Arteta, if interest from elsewhere reignites, using Trossard to raise funds for a younger forward could help refresh the frontline. Advertisement Gabriel Martinelli, 23 (2027) While being part of the 2027 gang, Martinelli has an option for an additional year in his contract. The Athletic also reported last month that while he is viewed as one of the club's best players, his situation is not viewed as urgent and significant talks over an extension have not been held yet. The 2024-25 season was mixed for Martinelli. He had stretches of underwhelming form, but other moments where his selflessness benefited the team. The Brazil forward hit 10 goals in all competitions, but will need to improve next season. Younger than Trossard, it makes sense to keep him, but further support/competition is necessary. Reiss Nelson, 25 (2027) The winger showed good flashes early on during his loan spell at Fulham, but missed the second half of the campaign with a hamstring injury. While Arteta has always been complimentary about Nelson, that has not always translated into minutes. As with Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe last year, Arsenal should look for a permanent sale. Raheem Sterling, 30 (loan ends 2025) After Sterling's disappointing loan at the Emirates, the club confirmed yesterday that he will return to Chelsea. Marquinhos, 22 (2027) The winger joined Cruzeiro on loan in January. The Brazilian club had an option to buy and are now advancing towards making that move permanent.
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Red Sox manager Alex Cora as frustrated as ever after team's 17th one-run loss of season
Red Sox manager Alex Cora has stayed relatively cool and level-headed amid the team's struggles this season. But on Tuesday night, following yet another one-run loss, Cora vented a lot of frustration with the 2025 Boston Red Sox. Boston's 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in 10 innings was the team's 17th one-run defeat of the season, giving them the most in the Major Leagues. Those one-run losses account for half of the team's 34 losses this season. Boston is just 6-17 in those close affairs. But being so close -- yet so far -- from a win over and over and over again is only part of the frustration. The Red Sox are mostly doing this to themselves with mental mistakes in the field and on the basepaths, and poor execution at the plate. "We keep making the same mistakes, we're not getting better," Cora vented after Tuesday's loss. "At one point, it has to be on me, I guess, right? I'm the manager. I got to keep pushing them to get better. They're not getting better. They're not. We keep making the same mistakes. "I'm being very honest about it. Very open about it," Cora continued. "You get frustrated, but at some point it's like, 'OK, what are we going to do? What's going to change?' Because we keep doing the same thing. The same thing." The Red Sox are just 2-8 in their last 10 games. Five of those losses have been by one run. Cora would love to offer up a solution, but the skipper is at a loss himself. "Is it effort? Preparation? Attention to detail? I have no idea, man," said Cora. "I watched that game tonight and was like, 'Wow this is real.' It's frustrating." Three more errors by Red Sox Boston's horrendous defense seemed to really fan the flames of Cora's fire after Tuesday's loss. The Red Sox had three more errors in the game, and now have the most in the Majors with 53 in 63 contests. Boston's defense is even worse than that of the 11-win Rockies, though Colorado has racked up its 51 errors in 61 games. The Red Sox were fortunate that only one of Tuesday's errors proved costly. Ceddanne Rafaela is usually excellent in center, but his wild throw home on an RBI single by Zach Neto in the third inning allowed a pair of runners to move into scoring position. Both scored four pitches later to put the Angels on top 3-0. The Sox also made back-to-back miscues in the fifth, though only one was an error. Third baseman Abraham Toro made an errant throw to first on a grounder by Neto, which was ruled an infield single. The next batter, Nolan Schanuel, hit a grounder to Kristian Campbell that should have been a double play, but the rookie couldn't spin it and both runners were safe. Boston was fortunate to escape the inning without any damage, as starter Brayan Bello got Mike Trout to ground out and struck out the last two batters. Boston's third error came in the 10th inning when reliever Zack Kelly couldn't field a sac bunt by Schanuel to lead things off. Ghost runner Neto scored two batters later when Taylor Ward grounded into a double play, which was also a bit of a head-scratcher. Toro opted to go for the two outs instead of trying to cut down Neto at home, a curious decision given Boston's inability to manufacture runs throughout the game. Cora did not mince words about his team's defense after the loss. "Routine ground balls for double plays we don't turn, we throw to the wrong bases, we miss cutoff guys, PFPs (Pitcher Fielding Practice) were horrible. So there's a lot of bad right now," he said. The Red Sox have now committed more than one error in 16 games this season. Red Sox lack timely hitting Defense was not the only issue for the Red Sox on Tuesday -- or this season. On a night when Boston got a solid outing from Bello, the offense once again fell asleep. The Red Sox went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on base. Boston is batting .234 with runners in scoring position for the season, which ranks 22nd in baseball. They've struck out a MLB-high 171 times with runners in scoring position. Red Sox hitters strike out a ton in any situation, ranking third in the league with 582 punchouts. Boston had its chances throughout Tuesday's loss. Toro was thrown out at home in the second. The team had two in scoring position and no outs in the third after Jarren Duran doubled in Boston's first run, but the threat ended with Ks by Rafael Devers and Romy Gonzalez and a groundout by Toro. The Red Sox had two on and one out in the fourth, but got nothing out of it. With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Campbell led off the inning with a walk and was lifted for pinch-runner David Hamilton, who stole second. But Duran didn't sacrifice Hamilton over to third, and instead popped out to center for the first out of the inning. (Hamilton did not tag up on the play either.) Hamilton didn't swipe third base until there were two outs in the frame, and that's where he stayed. Wilyer Abreu struck out for the inning's second out and Gonzalez grounded out to second to end the walk-off threat. Gonzalez was 0-for-4 on the night heading into the at-bat, but Cora left him in to face Kenley Jansen rather than pinch-hit rookie Marcelo Mayer. After Los Angeles took its 4-3 lead in the 10th, Boston went 1-2-3 with a pair of strikeouts in the bottom of the inning to end the game. With all the miscues and lack of timely hitting, the Red Sox are not giving themselves a chance to win ballgames. Cora was surprised the team was even in Tuesday's game with all their self-inflicted wounds. "Missed the cutoff guy, they score two, we hit the eighth hitter, we walk the ninth hitter, we didn't execute a bunt play, we didn't advance when we needed to. You can talk about chances. I can tell you the chances we gave the opposition," Cora said. "We were lucky to be in that game at the end, to be honest with you." Cora does have some job security after he signed a three-year extension last July, but it's time for the manager to start finding the answers to his team's issues. The Red Sox are now five games out of a Wild Card spot and 10 games behind the Yankees in the AL East, and are in serious jeopardy of falling out of contention -- and relevancy -- for a fourth straight summer.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shaikin: Dodgers have lots of stars. Why Zach Neto should be Angels' lone All-Star
The fans packed Angel Stadium last week, erupting when the star emerged from the dugout during pregame warmups, chanting 'M-V-P' in his honor during the game. Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees had arrived in Anaheim, and the old ballpark was abuzz. Advertisement 'Anywhere we play,' Judge said, 'it's a playoff atmosphere.' Angels fans haven't seen a playoff game in 11 years, so there were plenty of good seats available for Yankees fans. In the top of the first inning, Judge grounded out. In the bottom of the first, the Angels' star strutted into the spotlight. Zach Neto led off the inning by launching a 440-foot home run — the longest of his career — and flipping his bat so dramatically that Major League Baseball celebrated on social media. The Angels lost the game, but their shortstop rose to the occasion in a way his team so often has not. We would say Neto is a star in the making, with pop in his bat and swagger in his game, but he already is a star. Advertisement Read more: Mike Trout has three hits, including a 454-foot homer, in Angels' win over Red Sox An All-Star. 'One hundred percent. For sure. No doubt,' said Angels closer Kenley Jansen, himself a four-time All-Star. Baseball turns its All-Star ballot live Wednesday, and there is no shortage of Dodgers players worthy of votes. If Judge does not get the most votes overall, Shohei Ohtani should. Freddie Freeman entered play Tuesday batting .368, and he leads National League first basemen in WAR. Will Smith is batting .331 and leads NL catchers in WAR. Shortstop Mookie Betts and outfielder Teoscar Hernández figure to attract some votes, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto should be one of the pitchers selected. Advertisement The Dodgers had six All-Stars last year. The Angels had one: pitcher Tyler Anderson. This year, Neto ought to be that guy. His 10 home runs lead American League shortstops. Among all major leaguers, only Ohtani has more leadoff homers than Neto. 'It's a no-brainer he is our All-Star this year,' Jansen said. Angels shortstop Zach Neto high-fives a fan before a game against the Marlins at Angel Stadium in May 24. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Neto is one of seven major leaguers with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in their last 162 games. The others: Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, José Ramírez and Kyle Tucker. Lindor is the only other shortstop in the group. That makes Neto a star in a rather bright constellation. Advertisement 'He's a superstar in the making,' Jansen said. Neto almost certainly would need to be voted in by his peers, or selected by the league office. Even his manager admits Neto has virtually no chance to be voted in by the fans. Angels manager Ron Washington said Neto is 'definitely' an All-Star but suggested Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, the runner-up to Judge as AL most valuable player last season, would be voted the starting shortstop. 'I think he is going to be the guy,' Washington said. And Neto? 'They need some backup,' Washington said. 'It doesn't matter if you make the All-Star team as a backup. You made the All-Star team. Advertisement 'I think he's got the opportunity to do just that.' Angels shortstop Zach Neto gives the safe sign as he slides on his belly across home plate ahead of the tag during a game against the Giants in April. (Wally Skalij / Associated Press) Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles started at shortstop for the AL last season. Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros has a better WAR than anyone in the AL except Judge, according to Baseball Reference. Jacob Wilson of the Athletics has a better OPS than Witt, and he is batting .355 — better than anyone in the majors besides Judge and Freeman. 'With all the shortstops out there, he is just going to have to bide his time,' Washington said of Neto. 'Hopefully, he gets chosen.' The fans select the starters, and the players in the AL and NL select the backups in their respective leagues. If the fans vote Witt, do enough AL players appreciate Neto's game? Advertisement 'Yeah,' Washington said, laughing, 'because he bust their [butt].' Said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: 'Love him. Certainly, his skill set plays. And, for him to be — what, a couple years removed from college? — I just love that he just has that feel for leadership. He's already a leader. I can see it from the other side. 'He's sort of like that old-school gritty ballplayer. He can beat you a lot of ways. He's quickly going higher on the list of players I love to watch.' The league office completes the All-Star rosters, in large part to ensure each team has at least one representative. It is not a given that Neto would be the Angels' representative. Advertisement If two or three other shortstops are chosen, the league office could opt for catcher Logan O'Hoppe or, if position players are fully stocked, pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. If Mike Trout stays healthy and gets hot, the league office could give fans across America the Angels player they would most want to see. Yet there is no question that Neto is the Angels' best player this year, and a star for years to come. 'This guy,' Roberts said, 'is going to be an All-Star for a long time.' That time should start now. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Dodgers have lots of stars. Why Zach Neto should be Angels' lone All-Star
The fans packed Angel Stadium last week, erupting when the star emerged from the dugout during pregame warmups, chanting 'M-V-P' in his honor during the game. Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees had arrived in Anaheim, and the old ballpark was abuzz. 'Anywhere we play,' Judge said, 'it's a playoff atmosphere.' Angels fans haven't seen a playoff game in 11 years, so there were plenty of good seats available for Yankees fans. In the top of the first inning, Judge grounded out. In the bottom of the first, the Angels' star strutted into the spotlight. Zach Neto led off the inning by launching a 440-foot home run — the longest of his career — and flipping his bat so dramatically that Major League Baseball celebrated on social media. The Angels lost the game, but their shortstop rose to the occasion in a way his team so often has not. We would say Neto is a star in the making, with pop in his bat and swagger in his game, but he already is a star. An All-Star. 'One hundred percent. For sure. No doubt,' said Angels closer Kenley Jansen, himself a four-time All-Star. Baseball turns its All-Star ballot live Wednesday, and there is no shortage of Dodgers players worthy of votes. If Judge does not get the most votes overall, Shohei Ohtani should. Freddie Freeman entered play Tuesday batting .368, and he leads National League first basemen in WAR. Will Smith is batting .331 and leads NL catchers in WAR. Shortstop Mookie Betts and outfielder Teoscar Hernández figure to attract some votes, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto should be one of the pitchers selected. The Dodgers had six All-Stars last year. The Angels had one: pitcher Tyler Anderson. This year, Neto ought to be that guy. His 10 home runs lead American League shortstops. Among all major leaguers, only Ohtani has more leadoff homers than Neto. 'It's a no-brainer he is our All-Star this year,' Jansen said. Neto is one of seven major leaguers with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in their last 162 games. The others: Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, José Ramírez and Kyle Tucker. Lindor is the only other shortstop in the group. That makes Neto a star in a rather bright constellation. 'He's a superstar in the making,' Jansen said. Neto almost certainly would need to be voted in by his peers, or selected by the league office. Even his manager admits Neto has virtually no chance to be voted in by the fans. Angels manager Ron Washington said Neto is 'definitely' an All-Star but suggested Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, the runner-up to Judge as AL most valuable player last season, would be voted the starting shortstop. 'I think he is going to be the guy,' Washington said. And Neto? 'They need some backup,' Washington said. 'It doesn't matter if you make the All-Star team as a backup. You made the All-Star team. 'I think he's got the opportunity to do just that.' Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles started at shortstop for the AL last season. Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros has a better WAR than anyone in the AL except Judge, according to Baseball Reference. Jacob Wilson of the Athletics has a better OPS than Witt, and he is batting .355 — better than anyone in the majors besides Judge and Freeman. 'With all the shortstops out there, he is just going to have to bide his time,' Washington said of Neto. 'Hopefully, he gets chosen.' The fans select the starters, and the players in the AL and NL select the backups in their respective leagues. If the fans vote Witt, do enough AL players appreciate Neto's game? 'Yeah,' Washington said, laughing, 'because he bust their [butt].' Said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: 'Love him. Certainly, his skill set plays. And, for him to be — what, a couple years removed from college? — I just love that he just has that feel for leadership. He's already a leader. I can see it from the other side. 'He's sort of like that old-school gritty ballplayer. He can beat you a lot of ways. He's quickly going higher on the list of players I love to watch.' The league office completes the All-Star rosters, in large part to ensure each team has at least one representative. It is not a given that Neto would be the Angels' representative. If two or three other shortstops are chosen, the league office could opt for catcher Logan O'Hoppe or, if position players are fully stocked, pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. If Mike Trout stays healthy and gets hot, the league office could give fans across America the Angels player they would most want to see. Yet there is no question that Neto is the Angels' best player this year, and a star for years to come. 'This guy,' Roberts said, 'is going to be an All-Star for a long time.' That time should start now.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Angels manufacture run in 10th inning to beat Red Sox, 4-3
BOSTON (AP) — Automatic runner Zach Neto scored on Taylor Ward's bases-loaded double play groundout to lift the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox in 10 innings on Tuesday night. Nolan Schanuel had two RBIs and Neto added two hits and an RBI to give the Angels consecutive wins for the first time since capping an eight-game win streak on May 23. Kenley Jansen (1-2) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the win a night after getting a save and Reid Detmers got his first save. Schanuel led off the 10th with a sacrifice bunt that was bobbled by reliever Zack Kelly (1-2), allowing Neto to advance to third. Mike Trout then walked to load the bases. Kelly went 3-0 to Ward before he grounded into the double play. But it allowed Neto to score to put the Angels in front. Ceddanne Rafaela had two RBIs for Boston. Jarren Duran also had an RBI. Los Angeles starter Yusei Kikuchi pitched five innings plus three batters, allowing three runs off eight hits with five walks. He also struck out five, including his 900th major league strikeout. Boston's Brayan Bello ended a five-game streak of not making it through at least five innings. He lasted six innings, allowing three runs off seven hits. Key moment With Boston trailing 3-1 in the sixth, Trevor Story led off with a walk. Rafaela then jumped on Kikuchi's 89 mph slider, driving it 426 feet over the Green Monster for his fifth homer of the season. It was Kikuchi's final hitter of the night. Key stat Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Boston drops to 6-17 in one-run games this season. Up next Angels RHP José Soriano (4-5, 3.41 ERA) faces Red Sox RHP Lucas Giolito (1-1, 4.78) in the series finale. ___ AP MLB:
