Red Sox Navigate Pitching Challenges Ahead of Key Matchup
PHOENIX — As the Boston Red Sox gear up for a crucial series against the Oakland Athletics, the team faces a pitching crisis that has left them scrambling for solutions. Lefty Garrett Crochet is set to take the mound Monday night, while Dustin May is expected to return to the rotation Tuesday in West Sacramento. However, injuries and the recent release of veteran Walker Buehler have left the Red Sox reassessing their pitching strategy on a game-by-game basis.
With major starters like Kutter Crawford, Hunter Dobbins, Tanner Houck, and Patrick Sandoval out for the season, the team is looking to adapt quickly. Rookie Payton Tolle’s workload will be carefully monitored, adding to the uncertainty. The Red Sox are set to rely on a mix of Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito, supplemented by bullpen games and possible call-ups from Triple-A.
Boston’s next challenge comes Wednesday as they face the Athletics again at Sutter Health Park. The team scratched lefty prospect Connelly Early from a scheduled start, indicating he may make his MLB debut against Oakland. Another potential candidate is Kyle Harrison, who has been recovering from an ankle injury.
Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the team’s struggles: “It’s a different situation than three weeks ago. We have to take inventory and make decisions.” With the postseason looming, the Red Sox aim to use the final 18 games as a testing ground for their roster, exploring every option available to navigate this critical juncture.
As the team adapts to these challenges, they’ll strive to maintain their playoff hopes while contending with a transformed pitching lineup.
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