Fister earns more work
May go to ’pen after today’s start
There’s been nothing glamorous about the way Doug Fister has pitched since the 33-year-old joined the Red Sox late last month, but the team doesn’t have the luxury to be choosey.
Fister, who has a 6.75 ERA in four games (three starts) since the Sox claimed him off waivers from the Angels, will start this afternoon’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s likely he’ll be moved to the bullpen afterward, as the Sox go back to a five-man rotation with Eduardo Rodriguez healthy and off the disabled list.
Fister has done enough to stick around, manager John Farrell said yesterday.
“Yes, the short answer is yes,” Farrell said. “When he came over here, with Eddie’s return, that was the plan. He was well aware of that at the time and that would be the plan going forward as we kind of work through these games and kind of get back on track.”
Fister’s numbers are out of character. He’s allowed 15 runs (13 earned) in 171⁄ 3 innings while giving up 20 hits and walking 11. But given that he started his season late (the Angels didn’t sign him until May 20) and is still ramping up, there’s reason to be optimistic that he could be a useful piece as a groundball guy in the bullpen.
“I feel great physically,” Fister said. “Trying to work out some kinks in the delivery. Last couple times out I’ve felt better. I had one step out of baseball this year. I didn’t get signed until May. I’ve never taken a day in the big leagues for granted but this game can be taken away so quickly. So to be here is a true blessing.”
Like starter Rick Porcello, Fister relies primarily on a sinker, and while he only throws in the high-80s, his career 3.66 ERA is proof that he knows how to use what he’s got.
He’s averaging 89 mph, his highest in five years.
“Honestly it feels great but I don’t look at the board,” he said. “I try to stay as far away from velocity as possible. I’m relying on movement and location and not so much the miles per hour.”
Ups and downs
While the New York Yankees added a pair of dominant relievers in David Robertson (2.70 ERA, 12.7 K/9) and Tommy Kahnle (2.50 ERA, 15 K/9) along with third baseman Todd Frazier in a blockbuster trade with the White Sox on Tuesday, the Red Sox added a pair of Triple-A arms to their bullpen.
Right-handers Ben Taylor (6.59 ERA, 9.2 K/9 with the Red Sox) and Kyle Martin (3.79 ERA, 8.3 K/9 with Pawtucket) were called up before last night’s game. The Sox optioned pitchers Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez to Pawtucket to make room on the roster.
“We need the arms right now,” Farrell said.
Martin said he learned of the promotion before the PawSox’ matinee against Toledo. A ninth-round pick in 2013, Martin has never before been on a major league roster.
“Definitely going to be nervous,” he said. “Very excited. A dream come true. Found out this morning. Called my wife and my parents. It’s been a dream.”
Taylor cracked the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring training but had since been sent back. He tossed a scoreless ninth in the Red Sox’ 5-1 win over the Blue Jays last night.
“You never really know when you’re going to get that call,” he said. “Coming off a little bit of an injury so I’ve been trying to push my way back. Finally getting back here is a good feeling.”
Farrell talks trades
After the Yankees gave themselves a boost with their latest trade, the Red Sox skipper is wondering if he might be getting a similar upgrade to his roster before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
“I can tell you every effort is being made to,” Farrell said. “But I think the bottom line is what makes sense. I think there’s some guys that we don’t want to part ways with, that’s pretty clear.”
With just 22 runs in 73 innings since the All-Star break, the Red Sox offense could use some help. They still rank last in the American League with 97 homers.
“I think it’s going to be positional fit more than anything,” Farrell said. “If that combination exists, sure, I’m sure we’re having conversations in that way. I guess what I can tell you is this, the conversations are being had are ways we can address the left side of the infield and if there’s a situation that presents to increase the depth or upgrade late in the bullpen. And if it’s a deal that makes sense, I think we would look to take advantage of it. But I know (president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski) has got a lot going on right now as you’d expect, but we’ll see what unfolds.” . . .
Xander Bogaerts (sore hand) was out of the lineup again but is expected to return today. . . . Third base prospect Rafael Devers homered for the PawSox yesterday. He’s 8-for19 with a double and two homers in five games since his promotion. . . .
Former Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada made his season debut for the Chicago White Sox last night. He batted sixth and played second base.