Strange strategy on hill
Mystery starter has troubled Cora’s club
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As of game time last night, the Rays had yet to announce a starting pitcher for today’s 6:10 p.m. game.
This is not unusual for the Rays this year.
Their bizarre strategy of using one- or two-inning short relievers to start their games, often without announcing them until that morning, and then turning to long men out of the bullpen has been effective, especially against the Red Sox.
Entering their three-game series this weekend, the Rays had held the Sox to 4.19 runs per game. The Sox are scoring 5.61 runs per game against every other team.
But manager Alex Cora said he doesn’t think the Tampa Bay strategy is causing any trouble for the Sox.
“Not really,” he said. “Actually, we know who’s going to pitch more than three innings, so you just prepare for that and you go with the scouting report for the other guys. The only difference is the guy starting the game, he might throw you a firstpitch slider, or he might throw three sliders in a row, because he’s going to be aggressive just like it’s the seventh or eighth inning. That’s different. But as far as the other stuff, we have a pretty good idea who’s going to come in today or who’s coming in tomorrow. We just prepare for him just like a starter.”
The Sox have thought about mixing up their lineup against Tampa Bay, but Cora generally has gone with the same order of Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, Mitch Moreland or Steve Pearce with J.D. Martinez hitting cleanup.
It’s not like preparing a normal lineup against a rightor left-hander when the starter is going to throw no more than 20 pitches or so.
Would it make sense to get more of a platoon advantage at the top of the lineup to face the first pitcher of the game?
“We talk about it, but I promise myself Mookie is going to leadoff every game this season,” Cora said.
On Sunday, the Rays started right-hander Diego Castillo only to go to lefty Jalen Beeks in the second inning to face left-handed hitting Brock Holt.
Cora said if the Rays do that again, he might just pinch-hit, even if that means Holt never gets an at-bat during the game.
“I’ll just talk the guys to let them know to be ready,” Cora said. “We’ll talk, it might be a off day for Brock, we’ll throw him out there just to see if he bites. Or we can hit Mookie sixth and J.D. seventh.”
Betts was in the DH spot yesterday to get him a day off his feet on the turf at Tropicana Field, while Martinez got the start in right field. Martinez is expected to have Sunday off.
Moreland rests knee
Moreland was out again yesterday as he recovers from a sore left knee he injured while sliding for a foul ball.
“Mitch is banged up a little bit,” Cora said. “I mean, if you ask him, he’s always great, but I’ll try to stay away from him today. He was going to have an off day anyway today, so just have to make sure he’s OK, he’s healthy. This is not the easiest surface to play on. So, we’ll take a look at him during the weekend and go from there.”
Moreland hurt himself on a piece of raised cement near the first base line at Fenway Park. Asked if there would be any adjustments made to make it safer for players, Cora said, “Gotta ask that guy right there (Dave Dombrowski). I haven’t seen it. If it’s needed, it’s needed. We’ll see when we get back.”
Sale about to throw
Chris Sale (shoulder) could start throwing soon, according to Cora.
“I haven’t seen him but everything I heard he’s doing better, as far as inflammation or how he feels,” the manager said. “I don’t know if he’s going to throw this weekend, but he’s getting close.” . . .
Knuckleballer Steven Wright (knee) threw a twoinning simulated game.
“His stuff was good,” Cora said. “Everybody was very impressed with the way he threw the ball . . . . He’ll probably go on a rehab assignment next week and he’ll be with us hopefully in September.” . . .
Players Weekend began yesterday and will last through tomorrow with players allowed to wear any cleats they want, regardless if they match the uniform, and nicknames on the back of their jersey. Cora went with “AC” on his uniform.
“I think it’s fun,” he said. “I’ve seen a few different shoes and bats. I don’t know about the nicknames. It’s good for them to express themselves, let people know who you are. Not a lot of people talk about baseball, and it’s not as popular as other sports. This weekend is good for them to do that. I know the fans like it.” . . .
Prospect Michael Chavis was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket. The third baseman was hitting .303 with six homers in 33 games with Double-A Portland after finishing his 80-game suspension for using banned performance-enhancing substances. Chavis began with a strikeout last night.