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Boston Globe
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Brayan Bello, Red Sox absorb a smackdown in shutout loss to Cubs
For the second straight night, the Red Sox bats were silent, striking out five times against Cubs starter Shota Imanaga and 10 times in all, with much of the contact they did make against the lefthanded Imanaga resulting in pop-ups or foul balls. Meanwhile, the Cubs went on a home-run barrage, hitting them back-to-back in the first inning from Michael Busch and Kyle Tucker, and two more in the eighth from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ. Advertisement In between came a shot from Matt Shaw, a second career pinch-hit homer for the Massachusetts native. All three late home runs were solo blasts off reliever Chris Smith, and for Shaw, a Springfield native who grew up in Brimfield and played his college ball at Maryland, it kept him from falling below the Mendoza Line (he was batting .200 going into the game). Shaw practically sprinted around the bases. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Sox had no such pep in their step. After surging into the playoff conversation with the 10 straight victories prior to the All-Star break, they knew a test was coming. Unlike the likes of the Rockies or Rays they'd beaten before, the Cubs represented the first of three straight series against division-leading National League teams, with the Phillies and Dodgers looming. Advertisement So far, the Sox have been unable to carry the momentum of their pre-All Star success across the break, hoping now to avoid a sweep in Sunday's series finale. The sluggish start was reminiscent of Friday's series-opening loss, with missed opportunities, mistake pitches and leadoff walks once again putting the Red Sox in an early hole. Saturday's pitching culprit was Brayan Bello, who surrendered back-to-back solo home runs to Michael Busch and Kyle Tucker to open the game. Busch sent the game's first pitch into the left-centerfield seats and four pitches later, Tucker sent a no-doubter into the rightfield seats. Bello rebounded to retire Seiya Suzuki (fly ball), Pete Crow-Armstrong (strikeout) and Ian Happ (grounder to first) to get out of the inning, but he gave up another run in the second when the dreaded leadoff walk to Dansby Swanson came around to score. Swanson, who advanced on a Nico Hoerner single and a Reese McGuire fielder's choice, made a nice head-first slide on Vidal Brujan's short fly ball to left field, evading a tag attempt by Connor Wong when Rob Refsnyder's throw pulled the catcher too far outside the baseline. Refsnyder, leading off against Imanaga, opened the game with a sharp double in the left-centerfield gap, advancing to third on Alex Bregman's ground ball to first. But back-to-back strikeouts by Romy Gonzalez and Roman Anthony stranded him there. Cora was back at his lineup juggling job for Saturday night's game, using Refsnyder in left field and fellow lefty-facing specialist Romy Gonzalez at second base while keeping the rookie Anthony in against the lefthander (as he plans to do going forward), batting cleanup and playing right field. Advertisement He then inserted Masataka Yoshida at DH, leaving Jarren Duran on the bench. Cora praised the reaction he got from Duran after texting him of the plan Friday night, which said, 'I'm fine, let me know when and we'll go.' Yoshida had two hits against his Japanese countryman Imanaga, including a two-out single to right in the second inning. Abraham Toro followed with another single, but that mini-rally fizzled out when the struggling Wong struck out. Still, Cora was glad to get Yoshida in the game after feeling he had jumped the gun using him as a pinch-hitter Friday in a no-stakes situation. 'I need to be probably more patient with that one,' Cora said, 'just wait till the opportunity comes later on with men on and using that spot. But I just felt like okay, he gets on base, we got something going. It just didn't work out, and it didn't feel right from my end. 'But I think it's going to be a big contributor for us. And as far as the [outfield] rotation, you know, they play two out of three most of the time. And we'll make sure everybody gets a rest and keep them engaged. Is it easy? No, it's not easy, but we'll make it work. They're willing to do it.' Tara Sullivan is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at
Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
As Garrett Crochet piles up the innings, Red Sox will allow ace extra rest in second half
And while the Sox are not looking to limit Crochet's workload, manager Alex Cora said Saturday they did give him the few extra days from his last start of the first half July 12, when he threw a complete-game three-hitter in a 1-0 win over Tampa Bay, and will again before he pitches Saturday at home against the Dodgers. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'It is a good time for him to reset, you know, and go from there,' Cora said. 'But there's no limitations. We're going to keep going and keep pushing and use the schedule to our advantage and the rest of the guys, and there's a reason he's here. And just like everybody else, at one point, you have to throw 30 starts, and he's on his way to doing that.' Advertisement Crochet has more than proved himself worth the price Boston paid in top prospects when they acquired him last December in a trade with the White Sox, standing among top Cy Young candidates at the break. Pomeranz reminisces The easy way for Red Sox fans to remember pitcher Drew Pomeranz is for his stellar 2017 season (17-6, 3.32 ERA), but those really paying attention also recall Pomeranz for a unique 2018 moment. Injuries derailed him that season but ultimately didn't keep him off the 2018 World Series roster. It was there, in the epic 18-inning loss to the Dodgers in Game 3, that Pomeranz was the only last available pitcher in the Sox bullpen by the time it was over. 'He was our last man standing,' manager Alex Cora said, smiling. Now in the Cubs' bullpen, the 36-year-old lefty shared fond memories of his time in Boston — 'I had the best years of my career and the worst of times with injuries in Boston,' he said — but admitted he barely recognizes his old team, with his last remaining ex-Sox teammate, Rafael Devers , having been traded to the Giants in June. But Pomeranz did make sure to connect with Cora and some other staff members still here. 'They've got some good young players that have been playing well of late, and it's good to see the exciting players, but there's so much turnover,' Pomeranz said. On Friday night, he came out of the bullpen to get a key out against one of those rising stars, retiring Roman Anthony with two on in the seventh inning of a 4-1 Cubs win. Advertisement Said Cora: 'Seems like Drew's been on the verge of retiring like 10 times since 2018, and he's still doing a good job. We've stayed in touch throughout the years … He was a guy we liked, we really enjoyed, and I'm glad he's still doing it.' Injury updates Cora finally had an answer — well, sort of — about righthander Tanner Houck . Houck has been returned from his rehab assignment but will stay on the injured list as he continues to work his way back from the right flexor issue that had kept him from the roster for two months. Cora said Houck is in Boston with trainers and the team has 10 days before he can start a new rehab assignment. … Cora said reliever Justin Slaten (right shoulder) has started playing catch, which he described as 'a big step.' Liam Hendricks (hip) is throwing up to 120 feet, and reliever Luis Guerrero 'is about to start throwing bullpens in Fort Myers,' Cora said. Tara Sullivan is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at
Chicago Tribune
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
What's ahead for the Chicago White Sox as the trade deadline looms? ‘It's going to start to pick up here'
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa ripped a 2-2 sinker to left-center leading off the third inning Friday against the Chicago White Sox. It looked like a sure double. But Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was in pursuit. Robert raced over and made a sensational diving catch. 'I was like, '88, you're my favorite player,' after he made that catch,' Sox starter Jonathan Cannon said, referring to Robert's uniform number. 'I get a great view from the mound, like I can see the ball going down. I'm like, 'Crap, that's a double.' Then he just came out of nowhere and caught it. 'I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, that may be the best catch we've had all year.' I always say he's the best center fielder I've had play behind me and that rang true again (Friday).' How long Robert remains roaming center field for the Sox is a critical question as the July 31 MLB trade deadline looms. Robert has been mentioned in trade speculation well before the 2025 season began. He has fielded numerous questions on the topic but told reporters on July 9 he isn't tired of being asked. 'It's just something that's not on my mind,' Robert said through an interpreter. It could be an active trade deadline for the Sox, who with a 33-65 record entering Saturday's game against the Pirates find themselves in a position to be potential sellers. 'Every year is different,' assistant general manager Josh Barfield said before Saturday's game at PNC Park. 'There's a lot of teams right now that are teetering on the line of buying or selling, so I think as we get closer to the deadline, we'll have a better idea of just how active we will be.' Barfield said buzz has generally picked up 'a little bit' following the MLB draft, which concluded Monday. 'It seemed like it quieted down there during the All-Star break and the draft because everybody is so focused on those couple of days,' Barfield said. 'I think it's going to start to pick up here during this next week or so.' Every contender is looking for pitching, and Adrian Houser has been one of the most impressive starters in the majors since signing with the Sox on May 20. The right-hander entered Saturday's start against the Pirates with a 1.56 ERA. The Sox brought in Houser to add depth and veteran presence to a young rotation. General manager Chris Getz is taking it all under consideration. 'I definitely want to protect our young arms,' Getz said on July 7. 'That was quite honestly the motivation in acquiring Adrian Houser and (Aaron) Civale to be able to give guys extra days rest or if someone gets nicked up and needs to go on the IL for a little bit, we could have someone step up and fill those quality innings. 'Now, when it comes to the upcoming deadline, first and foremost, it's my job to continue to build this organization and have this long-term view. But weighing the protection of these young arms and perhaps acquiring some future assets that they can help you win some games in the future. It's not a straightforward answer. It isn't. 'You look at our minor-league system and you look at (Double A pitcher) Tanner McDougal, the kid who's really taken some strides (with a 0.89 ERA in six starts for the Barons). And (big-league starter) Davis Martin will be back (from the injured list) here shortly. And you look at the potential acquisitions that you can make with some of the deals as well. And perhaps it's an arm that can help you right away. So we've got some time to work through it.' Generally speaking, manager Will Venable said it's important to remain aware of how the speculation can affect a player. 'Going into it, you (as a player) hear things but you also kind of create your own narrative of what the deadline might mean to you,' Venable said Saturday. 'And that can be distracting. That's part of our job as a staff, my job, is as this deadline approaches, touch base with individuals and making sure we are staying focused on what we need to. Because it could be challenging. 'And for some guys the noise is louder than others and it's even more challenging to deal with those distractions. It's certainly something we'll give attention to.' The Sox placed the All-Star pitcher on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain. The move is retroactive to Wednesday. The setback occurred while running outside during Thursday's workout day. 'We did the imaging, everything came back clean for the most part,' Barfield said. 'It shouldn't be too long after he's eligible to be reinstated.' The Sox made three additional roster moves Saturday, recalling pitcher Wikelman González from Triple-A Charlotte, reinstating infielder/outfielder Brooks Baldwin (lower back strain) from the IL and optioning outfielder Will Robertson to Charlotte.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago White Sox starter Shane Smith reflects on a ‘pretty crazy' and ‘really special' All-Star experience
PITTSBURGH — Chicago White Sox starter Shane Smith found out he would be making an appearance in the All-Star Game after the last out of the sixth inning. 'I got hot in the sixth and I thought I was going to get in the sixth and they said no,' Smith said Friday afternoon. 'Then I kind of cooled down for a little bit. And then they were like, 'You're out there, you've got an out. Go get an out.'' Smith faced two batters and did get one out while pitching during the bottom of the eighth for the American League on Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta. 'Definitely a different buzz to it, especially coming out of the bullpen,' Smith said of being on the mound for the All-Star Game compared to a regular-season matchup. 'You warm up, it's kind of like a quick phone call, you get some butterflies and it's like, 'Hey, you're going to be in the game here in eight or 10 minutes.' 'You don't have days (of) notice. So definitely some butterflies for that one than a regular.' Smith discussed the entire All-Star experience a few hours before the Sox returned from the break to begin a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. 'Pretty crazy,' the rookie said. 'All of the other stuff with the red carpet and Home Run Derby was really cool. Just to try to sit around and enjoy the time with those guys. Obviously the time in the clubhouse is really nice to talk with those guys and get to know them a little bit. The All-Star Game is really special. 'I talked to a lot of guys in the AL Central because that was where our locker was. I think getting to know those guys on a little more personal level was pretty cool. Just eating lunch with the best players in the game was probably my favorite part. (Just) seeing them around and talking some pitching, talking about the state of the league and what that looks like for us was my favorite part.' As for the game, Smith worked with Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk. 'I didn't get to talk to him a ton beforehand,' he said. 'I made sure to throw everything in the warmups and I was like, 'Do you want to talk?' And he's like, he gave me signs like 1-2-3 and I was like, 'Yep, that works.' And we kind of went from there.' Smith hit the first batter of the inning, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. 'I know I hit him (during the regular season) too,' Smith said. 'I felt terrible about it. Same spot too. Hands are tricky. I tried to say I'm sorry to him. I talked to (San Francisco Giants pitcher) Logan Webb a little bit about it, I saw him later. He was like, 'It's going to be all right. He probably doesn't like you too much.' 'Trust me, that's the last thing I wanted to do, especially hit somebody, especially in the All-Star Game. And he's having a great year. And I've heard only good things about him. If I could ever get a chance to talk to him, I would apologize. If there's anything I could get him that he doesn't already have, I'd get it for him. Hopefully he doesn't hate me too much. But he probably does and I understand if he does.' Smith rebounded to get James Wood of the Washington Nationals to ground into a forceout. 'I just didn't want to walk somebody after (hitting Suárez), especially,' Smith said. 'Try to get an out and hopefully put my team in a position for that comeback that they made.' Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre, an honorary AL coach, then walked to the mound to take Smith out of the game. Smith said he had 'no idea' Torre would be part of his exit. 'He said, 'Way to bounce back,' and gave some words of encouragement as I walked off,' Smith said. Sox manager Will Venable liked what he saw from Smith in the outing. 'I thought he did great and I was glad Suárez didn't break any bones there,' Venable said. 'I thought he did great. Represented our club well and glad he got in some action.' Smith was a part of All-Star history. According to Elias, Smith became the second player since at least 2000 to become an All-Star in the season after being selected in the Rule 5 draft. He joined Dan Uggla, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2006 with the Marlins. With the All-Star festivities complete, Smith is ready to return to the mound for the Sox. He's slated to pitch at some point during the upcoming road series against the Tampa Bay Rays. 'Really focusing on making sure I'm doing everything I did at the beginning (of the season),' Smith said. 'Whether it's midweek work, bullpen, training room. Just making sure I'm putting my best foot forward. Just want to get back on a roll again, start getting consistent outings.'
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Young Red Sox star Roman Anthony enjoying being a ‘first-timer' at historic Wrigley Field
Anthony batted third and was the designated hitter Friday as the Red Sox looked to restart their engines after the All-Star break and to recapture the momentum of their 10-game winning streak heading into it. Seeing so many players at the workout told veteran shortstop Trevor Story the team was raring to go. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The boys are ready to just be together again,' Story said. 'I think we miss each other. Believe it or not, we're with each other every single day, but when you go three or four days without it, it's like, 'Man, where the boys at?' You know? I think it's just a sign that the boys love being together. We love the vibe that we have, and obviously shows the focus that we want to start the second half.' Advertisement For manager Alex Cora , the high attendance reflected a team 'finding our identity. Obviously, throughout the season, we were learning who we are. And there was a lot of stuff that happened, injury-wise, and the [ Rafael Devers ] trade, and all that. And little by little, we found our place.' Advertisement Decision soon on Houck With one simple word — 'yes' — Cora threw some doubt on to what comes next for pitcher Tanner Houck , whose rehab assignment expired Friday, leaving the team with a decision to face in the next day or so. The 29-year-old righthander spent the past two months on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain, but now the Sox need to decide where he best fits: in the rotation, in the bullpen, back to a new rehab clock, or, as Cora wouldn't rule out, optioned to Triple A Worcester. Asked directly before the game if optioning Houck was on the table, Cora said, 'Yes,' before adding, 'Bres [chief baseball officer Craig Breslow ] is not here, so you know, they'll make a decision and we'll inform you guys.' Houck, an All-Star last season, struggled in nine starts this year, posting an 8.04 ERA before the injury. 'I believe I'm a starter. I've always felt that way. I'll continue to feel that way for the rest of my career,' Houck said before the break. 'I've proven that I can start in this league, even at the highest level. I know that my first nine starts don't define me and what my talent is and what my ability is.' Advertisement Bregman easing back in Alex Bregman was in the lineup Friday, batting second, and Cora said the 31-year-old third baseman rebounded well physically from his return last Friday but that he will ease his way back into playing every day. The plan, Cora said, is for Bregman to play the first two games of this series and again in the next series at Philadelphia, then have two consecutive games off before the Sox return home to face the Dodgers. 'Hopefully by [that] Friday, he gets a full go,' Cora said. Center of the action Ceddanne Rafaela was in his customary center field spot, but don't be surprised to see another appearance at second base in the series finale in Philly … Cora said he enjoyed a quiet break, 'stayed in the area with the family and just hung out and then came here to this beautiful place, you know, to start the second part of the season.' … The Sox have quite the test coming up with the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers, three straight division leaders. 'We'll see how we stack up,' veteran Rob Refsnyder said. 'Three great teams now.' Tara Sullivan is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at
