The Crimson Sox have a brand new aid weapon. Rookie flamethrower/mustache maven Payton Tolle made his first look out of the bullpen yesterday and it was one, as he caught out the facet in his first inning of labor and practically hit 100 MPH on the gun, earlier than shedding some warmth within the second inning. With Tolle within the bullpen now for the rest of the season, the problem now will likely be for him to study to take care of that velocity for a couple of inning at a time. (Julian Benbow, Boston Globe)
So now can they get a brand new/outdated weapon within the lineup? Wilyer Abreu and his 122 OPS+ have been sidelined since late August with an indirect pressure that the Sox had initially hoped wouldn’t even require an IL stint. However whereas Abreu didn’t journey with the group to Tampa final night time, he might probably rejoin the group later this weekend. That may rely upon how he does working the bases and understanding at Fenway in the present day. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
Whereas we don’t but know whether or not we’ll get Wilyer’s return this weekend in Tampa, we do know one factor we’ll get: sibling rivalry. Nathaniel Lowe’s little brother, Josh, is the Rays’ main proper fielder. They’ve performed one another loads of occasions earlier than (together with within the postseason) however they at all times take pleasure in it and this time there will likely be numerous household in attendance. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
A number of brief weeks in the past, we might’ve lamented the truth that this collection was on the street, because the Sox appeared nigh unbeatable at Fenway. However the Sox have now gone simply 5-10 of their final 15 dwelling video games and dealing with down a September swoon that threatens to derail the entire season. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
However Trevor Story, not less than, continues to be assured that the Sox can play good baseball on this street journey and pull themselves out of the tailspin. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
And Alex Cora, in the meantime, is drawing comparisons to the 2021 group, which additionally slumped by September earlier than coming again to safe a playoff spot within the closing season collection after which making loads of noise in October. (Tyler Maher, NESN.com)
