Steven Wright won’t pitch again in the ALDS, per Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston via Twitter. Wright, arbitration eligible for the second time this winter, returned in 2018 to post a 2.68 ERA (4.37 FIP) in sixteen relief appearances and four starts after losing most of 2017 to invasive surgery that repaired cartilage in his knee. The knuckleballer had an MRI after feeling discomfort in the surgically repaired knee before the game, making him a last minute scratch from Alex Cora’s bullpen in Friday’s ALDS game one, and he will see a knee specialist when the team arrives in New York. In an earlier piece, Drellich noted that Wright’s replacement on the ALDS roster would likely come from a pool of Bobby Poyner, Heath Hembree, Hector Velazquez or Brian Johnson. For last night at least, even Rick Porcello was surprised to hear his name called, per this fun peak behind the curtain from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Boston manager Alex Cora recognized the need for improvisation during the playoffs – as using Porcello in relief was plan “C and a half.” The injury likely affects Boston’s playoff rotation, as mid-season acquisition Nathan Eovaldi could slide up a day to take Porcello’s scheduled start in game three if the latter isn’t ready to go on two days rest.
More from the Red Sox, Yankees ALDS…
- Drellich also writes that now might be the time for Matt Barnes to step up as the potential stopper the Red Sox need. With Craig Kimbrel an impending free agent, Barnes’ moment could extend through next season. Boston’s offseason decisions do not probably hinge on playoff performance – he’s been in the organization since 2011 and they likely have a sense for his abilities – but it’s an interesting narrative to track. The 28-year-old reliever would certainly be a cheaper option over Kimbrel – he’s arb eligible for the first time this offseason – and his stuff compares – Barnes’ 14.01 K/9, 4.52 BB/9, 53 GB% to Kimbrel’s 13.85 K/9, 4.48 BB/9, 28.2 GB % in 2018. Collecting saves in 2019 would certainly net Barnes a larger pay bump his second time through arbitration. For next season, however, he provides Boston with a lower-cost option to close out games.
- Across the diamond, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reports Aaron Hicks aggravated his bothersome right hamstring Friday. Hicks was forced to leave the game after singling off Chris Sale in the fourth and was scheduled for an MRI. Hicks has struggled with a series of nagging injuries during his Yankees tenure, to his oblique, intercostal muscle and now his hamstring – which he injured on September 24th before being cleared of a tear two days later. Brett Gardner is likely to get the start in game two if Hicks can’t go. More concernedly for Hicks, hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky as they often lead to overcompensation and further injury down the line if tested too early. One hopes Hicks can get healthy and stay healthy, lest he earn the ever-ominous label of “injury prone” leading up to his 2019 free agency. Hicks will be arbitration eligible for the final time this offseason and due a raise after hitting .247/.368/.465 with a 127 wRC+.
Red Sox bullpen is a dumpster fire. Ugh
Every team has an achilles heel, even 109 (now) win teams. Walks are the Sox’s be it starters or relievers. Yankees’ include all or nothing swings and shaky at times defense. Timing is everything but the difference in game one was Boston’s ability to play small ball. Benintendi’s bunt was a thing if beauty.
Scoreboard.
Our rotation is a dumpster fire.
You’ll change that tonight, after Price is dominant at home…. to:
Our rotation is pretty good !!
Oooooh sorry Gary but thanks for playing.
Argh !!! Price fails again !!
Hicks has already earned an “injury prone” label.
He had 580 PA this year but he’s “injury prone” – suuuuureeee
Look, I like Hicks as much as anyone but he is injury prone. He is injured right now and has had the hamstring problem for a couple of weeks.
“He had 580 PA” for the first time.
If you look over his career, he either struggled at the plate or was hurt which coincides with hitting struggles
That’s two L’s for you this week!
Really frustrating with this guy.
You’ve got to be kidding me… Matt Barnes might be the Red Sox alternative to resigning Kimbrel!?! have you watched a single Red Sox game? Cora (rightfully so) barely even trusts Barnes in the 8th inning never mind making him the closer. There is a 0 percent chance the Red Sox front office is considering Matt Barnes the heir to Kimbrel’s 9th inning job. I’m not saying the Sox will (though they desperately need to) resign Kimbrel — but his replacement sure as hell won’t be Barnes if they don’t. Barnes can be dynamite at times and then completely atrocious at others. as evidenced by his like sub 2.50 ERA through the first 3/4 of the season and ballooning 5+ ERA since.
I get it that his K/9 numbers look good but if you’ve been watching the Red Sox on any consistent basis you wouldn’t even dream of making this suggestion. The Red Sox bullpen is a complete disaster other than Kimbrel. Barnes’ inconsistency has been a major part of their disaster – he’s most certainly not in consideration for the closer role next season. He really shouldn’t even be in consideration for the 8th inning at this point. They desperately need better set-up options in their bullpen.
I know Thornburg has closed before and done a very nice job, I think he would absolutely flourish in that position if and when he completely recovers from his surgery but he has been known for his ego being his worst enemy.
I want to believe Thornburg has something to offer (not necessarily as a CL but 8th inning guy) but I’m starting to think he’s toast.
Agree Jeff. I didn’t realize Wright was hurt again as I was wondering why he wasn’t the first one summoned.
You’re absolutely correct Jeff. Orange walks way too many guys and I have one eye covered every time I watch him come in the game and Fitch. No way he’s the closing next year. I almost like the sound of Eovaldi taking over as a closer.
Barnes
Let’s see how Sale looks in game 4. Be prepared for less control and a 90-91 mph ceiling.
And which orifice are you pulling this “information” from?
The office I mean orifice he sometimes wipes.
This guy every time he opens his mouth he spews venom he is a complete clown and troll. Apparently his mommy has given his internet access back what first class clown.
You were probably also saying the same thing before game 1…
Right now your bullpen, Judge, and Voit are the only bright spots on your team.
He was definitely saying it before game 1
Yankees are better than Boston.
Regular season overall record, head to head record, and division record all beg to differ.
Yeah, I mean Boston won 108 games, scored more runs, have a better starting staff, won 10 of 19 games vs Yankees, but yeah Yankees are better team because things.
He was too busy complaining about the 40th guy on the Mets roster and who they were hiring for custodial staff next year to worry about Sale in game 1
There won’t be a game 4
I like your thinking but one game at a time. Both teams are really good.
There’s not going to be a sweep.
I thought you went away.. boo … there’s still time. ..
that’s what was said before last night start, he’ll be fine, filthy as usual
Commit failure to inhale oxygen
Thanks to John Farrel, Steven Wright still a mess. Maybe Farrel should have used comedian Steven Wright to pinch run instead.
Soon to be the Reds problem. Farrell also was instrumental in Blake Swihart’s injury.as well as getting Travis Shaw out of town because he didn’t like the guy. Good luck with all that, Cincinnati.
RedSox might and I emphasize “might” squeak by the Yanks in the ALDS, but man what I saw last night is a bullpen that lacks any real depth and shaky overall. I said after the game that Cora won that one. He managed it well considering everything. If the Yanks are smart and work Price tonight, it could set up for a very overused and weak bullpen in games 3 and 4. I just don’t see the Red Sox taking this home overall though. If not now, it will catch up to them in the longer 7 game series.
The bigger question…who closes for the Sox tonight?
Um, Craig Kimbral.
Did he get hurt, is he out? It’s the playoffs you go 2 3 4 days in a row.
Kimbrel, guys got a jelly arm. Where’s the X-man on his status?
The Red Sox bullpen was shaky last night and really all has been the entire 2nd half. The loss of Wright is a real problem they are going to have to use Edro this series and be creative in other ways with the bullpen such as what happened last night with their starter. No matter what not real confident in that bullpen.
Resign Kelly to a long term contract and let him close games.
………it’s a joke….. calm down
You made me laugh. Thanks.