Aroldis Chapman’s historic season has occupied most of the discussion when it comes to the Red Sox bullpen. But Garrett Whitlock has been nearly as good, having pitched the most innings out of the pen and allowed just one earned run since the All-Star Break. But believe it or not, Whitlock still doesn’t feel like he’s “kicked the rust off” following last year’s UCL surgery. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
We had hoped that Liam Hendriks would join Whitlock as a key contributor to the Red Sox bullpen
this year, but fate (and injury) intervened. But Hendriks is still doing his thing off the field, as he was named the team’s finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award, given each year to honor philanthropic and charitable efforts. This is the seventh time he’s been nominated, though he has yet to win. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Unfortunately, Whitlock can’t throw every inning for the Sox in relief. Last night, Alex Cora called on Greg Weissert to take the ball from Connelly Early, a call which ended up costing the Sox the game. Weissert isn’t ducking responsibility, saying “we lost that game because I can’t do my job.” (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
But why did Alex Cora pull Early so, uhh, early in the first place? He’d only thrown 80 pitches and was cruising against the Athletics for the second time in a week. It wasn’t a workload management issue. Rather, Cora was worried about the matchup with Brent Rooker, who has mashed lefties all year. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
But while the loss was certainly disappointing, we should be excited about Early’s dominant performance. He looks like a difference-maker on the mound. (Connor Ryan, Boston.com)
Trevor Story had another strong game, too, going 3-4 and stealing an MLB record 30th base without getting caught this year. Story recently hit the 10-year milestone as an MLB player and was the subject of a small clubhouse celebration. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Will Middlebrooks didn’t make it to 10 years in the big leagues, but he’s found his place in the NESN booth, and at home with his wife, former NESN reporter Jenny Dell. Here’s a cute little look at their relationship. (Chad Finn, Boston Globe)
