They felt awful because Kutter Crawford of the Red Sox was “thankful” after his outing against the Royals.
At Fenway Park on Saturday night, Kutter Crawford of the Boston Red Sox put on a masterful performance on the mound, aiding in stopping the Kansas City Royals’ offense.
With just one hit given up in the first seven innings, Crawford dominated Kansas City. For the first time in his four-year career, Crawford has pitched into the eighth inning when Red Sox manager Alex Cora gave him the all-clear in the eighth inning.
Following Boston’s 5-0 victory, Crawford stated, “I just gotta keep giving myself those opportunities,” as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “AC brought me back there, and that was it—obviously, the lead-off single there. However, I’m grateful that he sent me back there under that circumstance. I simply have to keep giving myself the chance to pitch deep into games.
It was Crawford’s ninth straight six-plus inning start as the right-hander tossed seven plus shutout innings, giving up two hits and one walk while striking out four batters. Friday night, Boston’s lineup was completely blank against Kansas City southpaw Cole Ragans, so the Red Sox were doubly grateful for Crawford’s afternoon masterwork.
Boston’s victory ensured the Red Sox would have a postseason position heading into the MLB All-Star break, giving the team a one-game lead over the Royals for the last wild-card spot in the American League.
Red Sox catcher Reese McGuire stated of Crawford, “His presence is very dominant out there when he’s attacking the strike zone,” as shown on NESN’s postgame footage. “With every pitch he made today, he demonstrated command. We were out of control in several counts, outpacing such a strong offensive club on the opposing side.
Despite Crawford’s and Boston’s pitching staff’s strong start to the season, the 28-year-old isn’t concerned about taking a well-earned break while teammates Tanner Houck and Jarren Duran attend the Midsummer Classic.
Crawford told NESN, “It’s not like I’m not going to pick up a baseball for the next four or five days.” “It won’t be too difficult, and it will be beneficial to the body.”
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Former Red Sox Standout Emerges as Perfect Trade Deadline Catalyst for Boston’s Playoff Push…..
In the trade deadline shuffle, Boston is a “obvious fit” for the former Red Sox all-star.
When the trade deadline comes around, Boston could be looking to get back together.
The Major League Baseball trade deadline in 2024 is quickly approaching for the Boston Red Sox.
Boston will soon need to decide how it will respond to the deadline, and it appears quite likely that the Red Sox will make an addition. Boston is winning a lot of games and, with more pitching added, should be able to make some noise in the postseason.
Fortunately, the Red Sox will have no shortage of guns available to them. NBC Sports John Tomase of Boston compiled a list of potential trade targets for the team, including the erstwhile fan favorite Nathan Eovaldi.
“What the devil is wrong with it? As they try to defend their World Series championship, the Rangers are getting closer to the point of no return and are now seven games behind the Red Sox for the last Wild Card slot, according to Tomase. “Eovaldi is a solid place to start if they have to sell since his postseason history speaks for itself.
“The Red Sox supporters don’t need a reminder of the two-time champion’s heroics from 2018, as he is currently 9-3 with a 3.05 ERA in the postseason. We know he can pitch in Boston, fit right in the clubhouse, and relieve some of Houck’s pressure, so he would be a natural match here.”
The suggestion of Eovaldi as a Boston alternative is hardly shocking. Throughout his tenure with the Red Sox, he was excellent and contributed to their 2018 World Series victory.
This summer, Boston will be searching for pitchers, and Eovaldi ought to be at the top of the list.
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On Espected Response Red Sox shouldn’t let playoff odds dictate trade deadline strategy……
Red Sox should not let postseason odds dictate their trade deadline plan.
The Boston Red Sox find themselves at a critical juncture in the 2024 MLB season, poised on the brink of the trade deadline with a decision that could define their playoff hopes. Despite conventional wisdom suggesting a conservative approach guided by playoff odds, the Red Sox are contemplating a bold strategy that challenges this norm.
Traditionally, teams approaching the trade deadline carefully weigh their current standings against the likelihood of making the playoffs. If the odds are favorable, teams often bolster their roster with strategic acquisitions to enhance their chances of postseason success. Conversely, teams facing unfavorable odds may opt to sell valuable assets in exchange for prospects, aiming to build for future seasons.
However, the Red Sox appear ready to defy these expectations. With playoff odds hovering at a precarious midpoint, some analysts and fans expected a cautious approach. Yet, inside sources reveal a different mindset among the Red Sox decision-makers. Rather than letting statistical probabilities dictate their strategy, they are inclined to focus on maximizing the current roster’s potential.
Manager Alex Cora emphasized the team’s resilience and chemistry as reasons to maintain their core group. “We’ve seen this team overcome challenges before,” Cora stated in a recent press conference. “We believe in the players we have and their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.”
This confidence stems from the Red Sox’s recent performance, where they’ve showcased resilience in close games and demonstrated the ability to compete with top contenders. Despite injuries to key players earlier in the season, the team’s depth and adaptability have kept them in contention.
Moreover, the front office’s approach underscores a broader philosophy of balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability. By resisting the urge to make panic moves based solely on playoff odds, the Red Sox are prioritizing organizational stability and the development of young talent within their farm system.
Critics of this strategy argue that failing to capitalize on favorable playoff odds could be a missed opportunity, especially in a competitive division. However, proponents point to examples of teams that exceeded expectations by maintaining faith in their existing roster rather than making drastic changes mid-season.
Ultimately, the Red Sox face a pivotal decision with ramifications beyond the current season. Their willingness to challenge conventional wisdom reflects a commitment to their players and a belief in the potential for a deep playoff run, despite statistical odds suggesting otherwise.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Boston to see whether they stick to their unconventional strategy or succumb to the pressures of playoff probabilities. Whatever decision they make, it is clear that the Red Sox are prepared to forge their path towards postseason success on their own terms.
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