Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Tampa Bay Rays 3B Junior Caminero put together a spectacular week at the plate. In taking home his 1st American League Player of the Week award, Caminero batted .524 (11 for 21) with 2 Doubles, 2 Homeruns, 5 Runs, and 8 RBI for a slashline of .524/.524/1.429 that generated 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

Los Angeles Dodgers SS Mookie Betts is very familiar with accolades. In putting together a fine week at the plate, Betts went 10 for 22 (.455 batting average) with 3 Doubles, Triple, 2 Homeruns, 3 Runs, 9 RBI, and 2 Walks for a slashline of .455/.500/.955 that led to 0.7 WAR. This is the 3rd time this season that Betts has earned NL Player of the Week honors.

[OmahaBaseball]

A tough extra-innings loss for Boston, as they had this set up for the win with the reliable Liam Hendriks poised to close out the 9th inning. After 23 consecutive save opportunities, Hendriks was ineffective and the game pushed into extra-innings. In picking up the win, the American League leading Kansas City Royals (66-49) topped the Boston Red Sox (61-51) by a 4 to 3 score.

Kansas City starter Seth Lugo did not record a decision, tossing 7 innings of ball in which he allowed 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 wild pitch while striking out 7; Game Score 60. The Royals turned to its bullpen for help from Daniel Lynch IV (1 inning, allowed 1 earned run on 1 hit), James McArthur (2 scoreless innings, 1 hit allowed), Angel Zerpa (3 scoreless innings, 2 hits and 3 walks allowed), and winning pitcher Nick Anderson (5-5) (1 inning of scoreless/hitless play). The star of the day at the plate was Bobby Witt Jr. who hit for the CYCLE (4 for 7, Double, Triple, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI).

The Red Sox turned to starter Tanner Houck who failed to record a decision, nonetheless had a respectable showing in which he permitted 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 in 7 innings of work; Game Score 66. Nick Pivetta (H 5) kept things in check in his 1 inning of work, as he struck out the 3 batters he faced. Closer Liam Henrdriks (BS 1) was tagged with 2 hits and 1 walk, along with a dropped 3rd strike, that led to 1 unearned run in his 2 innings of play. Ryne Stanek provided 2 innings of relief work in which he did not permit any further damage despite permitting 3 hits and 1 walk. Garrett Cleavinger (1-1) took the loss after he served up 1 earned run on 2 hits in 1 2/3 innings of play. For Boston, Tristan Casas (4 for 6, RBI) and Jarren Duran (2 for 6, Homerun, Run, RBI) played well.

Player of the Game: Bobby Witt Jr.

AL East Standings: 1st Place, 1/2 Game Lead

[OmahaBaseball]

Another extra-innings loss that came as a direct result of a Liam Hendricks blown save meltdown. On the day, the Kansas City Royals (67-49) by a 5 to 4 score over the visiting Boston Red Sox (61-52).

Brady Singer got the start for the Royals but did not record a decision. Singer permitted 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 53. Will Smith pitched a scoreless 9th inning but walked three which made things rather interesting. James McArthur (5-7) picked up the win for his scoreless / hitless inning of relief work. At the plate, Nelson Velazquez (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 3 RBI), Bobby Witt Jr. (2 for 5, Double, Run), and Mark Melendez (1 for 3, Run, 2 Walks).

The Red Sox wasted an excellent outing from Logan Gilbert in which he allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 10 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 80. The struggle of closer Liam Hendriks (BS 2) continued, as he was rocked for 3 earned runs on 5 hits in 1 inning. Nick Pivetta (2-2) took the loss after he had 1 unearned run (he committed the error) on 2 hits and 1 walk. Kyle Teel (1 for 2, 2 RBI, Walk, Sacrifice Fly), Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Double, Walk, Stolen Base), and Tristan Casas (1 for 4, Double, Run) made solid contributions.

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert (Season: #1)

AL East Standings: 2nd Place, 1/2 Game Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

After several disappointing extra-innings losses, this was a pleasant outcome to be able to jump out to an early lead and cruise to victory. In moving back to 10 games over .500, the Boston Red Sox (62-52) topped the Kansas City Royals (67-50) by an 8 to 1 score.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (10-8) was dialed in today, as he allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch while striking out 11 in the complete game victory; Game Score 84. Of Note, Crawford was named as MLB's 3rd best Performance of the Day. Leading the way at the plate were Kyle Teel (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI), Marcelo Mayer (3 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, Double, Run, Walk).

Starter Michael Wacha (11-7) was roughed up for 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits in 3 innings of work; Game Score 28. The relief appearance of Kyle Wright was tagged for 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 in 3 1/3 innings. Carlos Hernandez pitched 2 2/3 in which he did not permit any further scoring damage. The Royals limited offense was generated by Vinnie Pasquantino (1 for 4, Double) and Nick Loftin (1 for 1, Run).

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #10)

AL East Standings: 2nd Place, 1/2 Game Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

With the 3 to 1 loss to the visiting Houston Astros (64-51), the Boston Red Sox (62-53) have fallen into 3rd place in the AL East race. If the season were to end today, they would not make the Wild Card round.

Astros starter Framber Valdez continued to showcase his skills in what is amounting to a fine season. On the day, Valdez (13-7) allowed just 1 earned run on 5 hits while striking out 9 in 8 innings of work; Game Score 77. Closer Josh Hader (SV 30) locked things down for a scoreless 9th inning to pick up the save and to lower his ERA to 1.93 on the season. Yainer Diaz (2 for 4, Double, Run), Kyle Tucker (2 for 4, RBI), and Zach Dezenzo (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI) had a solid day at the plate.

Brayan Bello (11-11) was tagged with the loss after permitting 2 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 in 7 innings of play; Game Score 58. Reliever Nick Pivetta was again shaky in that he allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits in his 1 inning of work. Liam Hendriks tossed a scoreless / hitless inning in which he recorded 2 strikeouts. The Red Sox offense struggled today, with only Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, Double), Kyle Teel (1 for 3, Run), and Rafael Devers (1 for 4, Double, RBI) playing well.

Player of the Game: Framber Valdez

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 1 Game Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

While his season has not gone as planned and I definitely have not gotten the better side of the trade deal, I wanted to give it 1 more year to see if what is shown in the ratings materializes on the field. In reaching agreement, the Red Sox inked relief pitcher Ryne Stanek to a 1-year extension worth $3.2M. I did not provide any other incentives or promises. If he doesn't do the job, I will trade him!

2025	Age 33	$3,2000,000

[OmahaBaseball]

I have been playing OOTP since v4. I don't recall a bigger bullpen meltdown than what happened in this game. Leading by a score of 7 to 6, the Boston Red Sox (62-54) self-destructed and allowed the Houston Astros (65-51) to score 10 runs in the top of the 9th inning to take the game by a 16 to 7 score.

Houston starter Luis Garcia did not record a decision, as he lasted only 2 innings in which he gave up 5 earned runs on 6 hits and 1 walk; Game Score 19. Matt Barnes covered the next 2 2/3 innings in which he permitted 1 earned run on 4 hits and 2 walk before turning the ball over to Carlos Estevez who pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Bryan Abreu (5-5) picked up the win for his 2 innings of work in which he allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits and 1 walk. The Astros had several outstanding batting performances, with Jeremy Pena (4 for 6, 2 Doubles, 2 Runs, 6 RBI), Mauricio Dubon (3 for 6, Double, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), Jose Altuve (2 for 6, Double, Run, 3 RBI), and Yordan Alvarez (2 for 5, Homerun, 2 Runs, RBI, Walk) each having a big day.

The Red Sox pitching staff had a rough day today! Starter Jack Flaherty had a terrible outing as he gave up 5 earned runs on 4 hits and 4 walks in just 2 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 24. Newly called up Naoyuki Uwasawa pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in which he scattered 2 hits and 2 walks without any damage. Garrett Cleavinger (BS 1) blew his save opportunity after he permitted 1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 walk in 1 2/3 innings. The continuing struggles of closer Liam Hendriks (4-4) (BS 3) were on full display her, as he imploded for 7 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 1 walk, which saw his ERA balloon to 3.04 on the season. Anthony Gose permitted 3 unearned runs on 3 hits and a walk, not to mention he permitted both of his inherited runners to score. At the plate, Boston's offense was powered by Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, Homerun, 3 Runs, RBI, Walk), Vaughn Grissom (3 for 5, Triple, 3 RBI, Stolen Base), and Masataka Yoshida (2 for 5, Double, Run, RBI, Stolen Base).

Player of the Game: Jeremy Pena

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

This is the outcome I needed if the team is going to remain in the playoff picture. In picking up the 2 to 1 victory, the Boston Red Sox (63-54) relied on a stellar pitching performance from Tanner Houck to best the visiting Houston Astros (65-52).

In picking up the win, Boston starter Tanner Houck (12-8) allowed just 1 earned run on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 hit batsman while striking out 7 in his 7 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 72. Nick Pivetta (H 6) kept things in check with his 1/3 innings of relief before turning the ball over to closer Liam Hendriks (SV 24) who notched the save. The Red Sox were powered at the plate by Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI, Stolen Base) and Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 3, Run, Stolen Base).

Taking the loss was Houston starter Justin Verlander (7-12) who permitted 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 63. The limited offense was generated by Jose Altuve (1 for 4, Double, Run) and Chas McCormick (1 for 3).

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #9)

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

The Boston Red Sox front office announced during a hastly called news conference that they had agreed to terms with pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa. In reaching the 2-year contract extension, Uwasawa stands to compete for a back of the rotation / bullpen innings-eater in 2026.

2025	Age 31	$2,500,000
2026	Age 32	$2,300,000

[OmahaBaseball]

Milwaukee Brewers rookie sensation Jackson Chourio was named the National League Player of the Week. In picking up his first PofW award, Chourio went 13 for 25 (.520 batting average) with 2 Doubles, Triple, 3 Homeruns, 7 Runs, 10 RBI, and 3 Stolen Bases for a slashline of .520/.519/1.040 that resulted in 0.9 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

While the season has not gone as he thought it would, Tampa Bay Rays 2B Jose Caballero put together a solid week in which he earned American League Player of the Week honors. To pick up the accolades, Caballero batter .519 (14 for 27) with a Double, 2 Homeruns, 8 Runs, 8 RBI, and a Walk for a slashline of .519/.562/.778 that created 0.8 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

After 9 consecutive weeks in which the Philadelphia Phillies sat atop the MLB Power Rankings, there is a new top dog. The New York Yankees (115.9 points) jumped the top with an 8-game win streak, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (104.2 points) and Kansas City Royals (103.8 points). The Boston Red Sox (95.8 points) dropped to 15th place. The Los Angeles Angels (57.5 points) occupy the final spot.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=360

[OmahaBaseball]

With Boston trying to maintain its spot in the Wildcard race, it was essential to pick up the win today against the visiting Rangers. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (64-54) beat the Texas Rangers (61-58) by a 12 to 4 score.

Logan Gilbert (7-11) picked up the win, his 1st since joining the Red Sox, after permitting 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk while striking out 11 in 8 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 62. Ryne Stanek covered the final 1/3 inning without allowing any damage. Boston was led at the plate by Reese McGuire (3 for 4, Double, Triple, 2 Runs, 4 RBI), Ceddanne Rafaela (3 for 4, Double, 3 Runs, RBI), and Rafael Devers (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Texas starter Jon Gray (9-9) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 1 walk in 4 1/3 innings; Game Score 28. A trio of relievers attempted to keep things in check, but Sean Newcomb (1 earned run on 4 hits a 1 walk; 1 2/3 innings), Tayler Saucedo (4 earned runs on 3 hits a 1 walk; 2/3 innings), and David Robertson (1 earned run on 3 hits and 1 wild pitch; 1 1/3 innings) each allowed additional scoring. The offensive production was powered by Leody Taveras (2 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Justin Foscue (2 for 3, Double, Run, RBI), and Jonah Heim (2 for 4, Double, Run).

Player of the Game: Reese McGuire (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

As the contract extensions continue, Victor Robles is now locked up for 2 additional years with the Boston Red Sox. Robles is an outstanding defensive outfielder, who possesses considerable speed on the bases and provides depth for the team.

2025	Age 28	$2,500,000
2026	Age 29	$2,300,000

[OmahaBaseball]

Despite a poor outing from Kutter Crawford and needing to mount a late-inning comeback, the Boston Red Sox (65-54) topped the visiting Texas Rangers (61-59) by an 8 to 6 score.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford allowed 6 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8 in 6 1/3 innings; Game Score 40. Ryne Stanek (1-1) solid performance afforded him his first victory of the season for his 1 2/3 innings of scoreless / hitless work. Liam Hendriks (SV 25) earned the save for his 1 inning of play in which he recorded 3 strikeouts. At the plate, the Red Sox was led by Kyle Teel (2 for 3, 2 Homeruns, 2 Runs, 5 RBIs, Walk), Tyler O'Neill (1 for 3, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk), and Tristan Casas (1 for 3, 2 Runs, Walk). Of Note, Kyle Teel was named MLB's 2nd best performance of the day.

The Rangers sent out Jacob deGrom but the All-Star pitcher just didn't have his best stuff today, as he was tagged for 5 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9 in 4 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 37. Reliever Joe Leclerc pitched well in his 1 1/3 innings and did not allow any additional scoring. Giovanny Gallegos (0-1) (BS 1) was roughed up for 3 earned runs on 2 hits and 1 walk in which he was saddled with the loss. Josh Sborz wrapped things up with a final inning of scoreless work. The Texas offense was powered by Leody Taveres (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, 4 RBI), Justin Foscue (2 for 3, 2 Runs), and Jonah Heim (1 for 2, Run, RBI, and Walk).

Player of the Game: Kyle Teel (Season: #2)

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

An extra-inning let down, as the Boston Red Sox (65-55) fell to the Texas Rangers (62-59) by a 10 to 8 score.

Max Scherzer was given the start but was ineffective today; allowing 6 earned runs on 9 hits, 5 walks, and a hit batsman in 4 2/3 innings of work; Game Score 20. Sean Newcomb permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits in 2 1/3 innings before turning the ball over to Josh Sborz (BS 5) who gave up an earned run on a hit and a walk in 1 inning. Andrew Heaney was solid in his 3 innings of scoreless ball before Giovanny Gallegos (1-1) picked up the win for 2 innings of scoreless ball. The Rangers offense was led by Josh Jung (4 for 6, Homerun, Run, 4 RBI, Walk), Wyatt Langford (4 for 5, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Walk, Hit-by-Pitch), and Corey Seager (2 for 7, 2 Runs, 2 RBI).

Getting the start for Boston was Brayan Bello who did not record a decision after getting shelled for 6 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in 1 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 10. Naoyuki Uwasawa was called upon to keep the game close and did a decent job in that he permitted 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks in 3 1/3 innings before Justin Slaten covered the next 2 innings and permitted 1 earned run on a hit while striking out 4. Nick Pivetta appearance was great; not allowing any runs in his 3 innings of play. Garrett Cleavinger (1-2) was tagged with the loss after permitting 2 earned runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and a hit batsman in 2 1/3 innings. Joely Rodriguez wrapped things up with 2/3 scoreless innings. Masataka Yoshida (5 for 7, 2 Doubles, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), Kyle Teel (2 for 5, Double, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, 2 Walks), and Tristan Casas (3 for 6, Double, Run, 3 RBI, Walk) had a solid day at the plate.

Player of the Game: Josh Jung

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 3 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

This is not the time to go on a losing streak. Not only did the team lose to the club it is trying to catch, the Wildcard lead is shrinking. In the loss, the Boston Red Sox (65-56) fell to the Baltimore Orioles (68-54) by a score of 8 to 2.

Baltimore pitcher John Means (5-9) picked up the win after allowing just 2 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7 in 8 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 67. Closer Felix Bautista worked the final 2/3 innings to wrap things up. The O's were powered at the plate by Kyle Stowers (3 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk), Gunner Henderson (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs, RBI), and Adley Rutschman (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI, Walk).

This marks consecutive games in which Jack Flaherty (12-7) was unable to make it out of the 3rd inning. Here, Flaherty was tagged for 5 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch in 2 2/3 of play; Game Score 25. Naoyuki Uwasawa continues to shine as a mop-up reliever as he tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings before turning the ball over to Justin Slaten who proceeded to allow 3 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits. Garrett Cleavinger covered the final 1/3 inning without further damage. Leading Boston's offense were Masataka Yoshida (2 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI), Pablo Reyes (2 for 4, Double), and Ceddanne Rafaela (1 for 4, Homerun, Run, RBI).

Player of the Game: John Means

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 3 1/2 Games Behind