Pitching is hard. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Whenever my buddies Zack and Sal do something they’re not proud of and they’re called on it, their response is invariably “Theah’s not much ta say.” (They’re from the South Shore.) I think that sums this one up nicely.
Justin Masterson was roughed up to the tune of 6 runs, all earned, on 6 hits, while surrendering 2 home runs in just 2.1 innings. The cries for him to be moved to the bullpen will now reach a deafening roar, and I can’t say I think it’d be a bad move. He certainly is the most logical candidate of the starting staff to be moved given his prior experience in the ‘pen, and he has looked lost as a starter for more than a full season now. Moving him to the bullpen may also allow him to get his fastball back up in the 90s. His fastball velocity was down to start the season, and has now dropped even further, sitting in the mid-80s. This is allowing opponents to key in on his sinker, and they’re hitting .319 against that pitch.
Steven Wright again saved the bullpen, pitching the rest of the way after Masterson was lifted. Being able to go 5.2 innings in relief is always a huge service to your team, especially with the quick turnaround (Sox play this afternoon).
Though the offense managed just 2 runs on 4 hits (two by Pedroia) they actually looked pretty good. They squared up a lot of balls, but the A’s played uncharacteristically great defense. The A’s lead the majors in errors, but made play, after play, after play, and the Red Sox just couldn’t get anything going.
Final: 9-2 Oakland.
Notes:
-I wouldn’t be surprised to see more roster changes coming. I’d love to see Eduardo Rodriguez get a start sometime soon. The lefty is sporting a sub-3 ERA and a WHIP under 1 thus far in Pawtucket.
-The Sox are back at it this afternoon at 3:35, as Wade Miley takes the bump against Sonny Gray. That’s a tough draw for Wade as he tries to build on his last start.
-In non-Red Sox news, Giancarlo Stanton hit a ball to the moon. No, really. Watch this clip.
That ball might be in orbit.