This weekend against the Yankees was disappointing, but the Red Sox did what they absolutely had to do: avoid getting swept. There is still time, opportunity, and maneuverability over the next few series if they play well. They kept the Texas Rangers at bay. They held off the Astros and the Mariners (of Etsy Witch Fame).
While Boston and Oakland didn’t face each other all season, they’re doing their coast-to-coast matchups a week apart. So everyone is (mostly) familiar with everyone else.
When we last
saw Jeffrey Springs — in his previous start — the lefty gave up 5 runs in 5.0 innings. The Red Sox would score 4 in the first, 1 in the second, and 1 more in the eighth. The Athletics would actually out hit Boston 10 to 9 yet score zero runs. That’s not to say that Springs was robbed, though, as both his ERA and FIP approach 5.00. He’ll be facing off against Connelly Early again. Boston’s rookie lefty was superb last time out. In his major league debut he struck out 11 in 5.0 innings while allowing just 5 hits and a walk. Can he do that again? Probably not. But he doesn’t need to be exactly that guy every time out. With the Lefty Mashing Squad of Romy and Ref they’ll put a few runs on the board. Plus, with the small sample size, Connelly Early has a negative FIP right now. Who needs an Etsy witch when you can do that?
Mason Barnett is back for a start as well! The right-handed rookie has seen his ERA fall from 11.25 to 9.00 to 8.53 over the course of his three major league starts. Last time out against Boston he allowed 3 runs in 3.2 innings giving up 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4. He was matched up with Payton Tolle last time but this week gets Lucas Giolito.
The afternoon matinee will mix things up a little: J.T. Ginn may have the living Force as his ally but he hasn’t had tons of success just yet. His last time out Ginn didn’t allow any runs to the Reds but only went 4.1 innings and had a 6:4 K:BB. In his 14 starts (he’s also made 7 relief appearances) Ginn has faced exactly 20 batters 5 times. Plus one more start where he faced 21. And it’s easy to see why. While he has struggled overall, batters are hitting .375/.487/.688 the third time through the order. Maybe he can try spinning the baseball, that’s a good trick. Brayan Bello was a mess against the Yankees last time out and will be looking to the Athletics to provide a bounce back.
Wilyer Abreu probably isn’t ready for this series but maybe by the weekend?
Probable Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, September 16: Jeffrey Springs (4.28 ERA / 4.73 FIP) vs. Connelly Early (0.00 ERA / -0.65 FIP)
Wednesday, September 17: Mason Barnett (8.53 ERA / 3.78 FIP) vs. Lucas Giolito (3.31 ERA / 4.03 FIP)
Thursday, September 18: J.T. “Qui-Gon” Ginn (4.69 ERA / 4.63 FIP) vs. Brayan Bello (3.25 ERA / 2.81 FIP)
When and Where to Watch
Tuesday, September 16: 6:45 PM ET on NESN
Wednesday, September 17: 6:45 PM ET on NESN
Thursday, September 18: 1:35 PM ET on NESN
