Aroldis Chapman’s historic season has occupied a lot of the dialogue in terms of the Pink Sox bullpen. However Garrett Whitlock has been almost pretty much as good, having pitched probably the most innings out of the pen and allowed only one earned run for the reason that All-Star Break. However consider it or not, Whitlock nonetheless doesn’t really feel like he’s “kicked the rust off” following final yr’s UCL surgical procedure. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
We had hoped that Liam Hendriks would be part of Whitlock as a key contributor to the Pink Sox bullpen this yr, however destiny (and harm) intervened. However Hendriks continues to be doing his factor off the sector, as he was named the crew’s finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award, given every year to honor philanthropic and charitable efforts. That is the seventh time he’s been nominated, although he has but to win. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Sadly, Whitlock can’t throw each inning for the Sox in aid. Final night time, Alex Cora known as on Greg Weissert to take the ball from Connelly Early, a name which ended up costing the Sox the sport. Weissert isn’t ducking duty, saying “we misplaced that sport as a result of I can’t do my job.” (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
However why did Alex Cora pull Early so, uhh, early within the first place? He’d solely thrown 80 pitches and was cruising towards the Athletics for the second time in per week. It wasn’t a workload administration problem. Moderately, Cora was frightened concerning the matchup with Brent Rooker, who has mashed lefties all yr. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
However whereas the loss was actually disappointing, we needs to be enthusiastic about Early’s dominant efficiency. He seems like a difference-maker on the mound. (Connor Ryan, Boston.com)
Trevor Story had one other sturdy sport, too, going 3-4 and stealing an MLB report thirtieth base with out getting caught this yr. Story not too long ago hit the 10-year milestone as an MLB participant and was the topic of a small clubhouse celebration. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Will Middlebrooks didn’t make it to 10 years within the massive leagues, however he’s discovered his place within the NESN sales space, and at residence together with his spouse, former NESN reporter Jenny Dell. Right here’s a cute little have a look at their relationship. (Chad Finn, Boston Globe)
