Happy Sunday, folks. The Red Sox have won nine straight series, but that streak is on the line on Sunday after they split the first two games of their series with the Athletics. It’s a bullpen game for Boston, which will lead with Erik Miller but use several arms as they try to piece together nine innings without a traditional starting pitcher. With no off days until August 20th, bullpen workload will be something to monitor as they try to gain ground on the Yankees and Rays in the American League.
Raymond Burgos threw six innings over two outings this weekend after the 13-inning win on Thursday to provide some rest. Unfortunately for Burgos, he was optioned back to Worcester, with Seth Martinez taking his place on the active roster. Martinez is a soft-tossing righty who throws from a sidearm slot. His style is similar to a right-handed Cooper Criswell, kinda. He’ll likely get a chance to eat a few innings, especially if the offense can get to J.T. Ginn early. Ginn’s a pitch-to-contact type who has a solid sinker to righties and not much else, especially against left-handed hitters. It’s a great matchup for Wilyer Abreu, I think.
1:35 first pitch on NESN and WEEI
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