With a number of different regular resting—namely Alex Bregman, Carlos Narváez and Romy Gonzalez—the Red Sox looked to wrap up the regular season on a high note and keep the five seed in the American League. Maybe more importantly, you didn’t want this team having to bring out the big guns—not just the ones on the bench but the ones from the bullpen, Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock.
Mission accomplished.
Jose De León was called up from Worcester and I think blew away everyone’s expectations. Steven
Matz, Zack Kelly and Greg Weissert were the only ones needed out of the bullpen. The Sox even allowed Alex Cora to take out Trevor Story midway through the game, sliding Nick Sogard to short and plopping Nate Eaton at third. It all worked out in the end.
Then they didn’t play an awful game at all! Where in the world has September Masa been? Yoshida ripped a homer down the right-field line to put the Sox on the board early. David Hamilton—fighting for a postseason roster spot—knocked a two-run dinger of his own. Did they leave nine runners on base and only go 1-for-10 with RISP? Yes, and those are issues that will get them knocked around in the playoffs no matter how far they do and even with not every regular in the lineup.
Still, the tinkering worked enough for Alex Cora to have a number one team ready to go Tuesday at 6pm in the Bronx. A few hours to savor this win and a new season begins. Bring it on.
Three Studs
Jose De León
I’m sorry, did anyone imagine the 33-year-old prospect, who hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2023 and had Tommy John, to overpower the Tigers? Aside from the three-run shot to Javier Baéz, he struck out eight and did one heck of a job eating innings. Massive, passive props.
Masataka Yoshida
Yes, only one hit, but a homer nonetheless to kickstart the game off. He’s been absolutely on fire in September, and while it doesn’t completely change my view on his position on the team, it’s nice to see where the hitting torch has been passed to.
Jarren Duran
Same thing for Jarren—just one hit, but it was an important one indeed, the go-ahead RBI double. How about his outfield assist nabbing Parker Meadows at second base? His defense is still on point.
Three Duds
Trevor Story
An 0-for-4 day and no reason to push him any further with more important games coming up,
Wilyer Abreu
I think he’s still getting up to game speed missing so much time, but it needs to come quick.
Nick Sogard
Two strikeouts, and some very conservative, sometimes head scratching defense. I don’t mind it in hindsight but I was certainly confused not trying to get an out at first in the ninth when it was attainable.
Play of the Game
I’m gonna give it to Duran’s outfield assist. If Meadows ends up safe at second, I had a sneaking suspicion the game could have started to really yo-yo. De León had given up three in the top of the third, and the Sox matched it right back. Instead of starting the fourth off on a wrong note, Duran has everyone’s back.
