Moreland returns from IL
Hernandez goes back to PawSox
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Why would the Red Sox demote a player who is adding energy off the bench, hitting .339 in 27 games and continues to impress on defense?
They chose balance instead.
Already flush with lefthanded hitters, having added another with the activation of Mitch Moreland off the injured list yesterday, the Red Sox sent the red-hot Marco Hernandez back to Triple-A Pawtucket.
“We didn’t want to be too left-handed heavy,” manager Alex Cora said before the Red Sox’ game with the Rays. “It’s a tough one because he’s playing well. At the same time we need him to keep playing. He did everything he was supposed to do but it’s a baseball decision.”
Cora wanted to keep first baseman/left fielder Sam Travis, one of the few right-handed hitters. Travis is hitting .276 with a .793 OPS in 29 atbats against lefties this year.
“He’s been consistent the whole season with his swing,” Cora said. “We saw it in spring training toward the end, we saw it early in the season (in) Seattle and Oakland.
“He’s not trying to hit the ball in the air, actually. He’s trying to stay on top of the ball. He’s been good at it.”
And though Michael Chavis hasn’t played since Saturday because of back spasms, the Sox believe he’ll be ready to start again as soon as Wednesday and chose not to put him on the IL.
The tricky part will be finding playing time for both Brock Holt, hitting .387 in 35 games since returning from an eye injury, and Chavis at second base. Moreland and Travis are likely to platoon at first.
“There are certain matchups (Chavis) is going to play right-handed,” Cora said. “But right now we have options.”
Moreland went 0-for-2 in the Red Sox’ 5-4 victory.
Price back today
David Price will retake the mound today after a disappointing performance against the Orioles last Friday when he allowed six runs in four innings, though he insisted the energy he spent lambasting Dennis Eckersley both on Twitter and to reporters in the locker room last week had nothing to do with his poor outing.
Cora said Price is having trouble putting hitters away.
“If you look at the foul balls, the last three, it’s like 80 foul balls,” Cora said. “Detroit, the Dodgers, and Baltimore. Like Chris Sale, look at where we’re going with pitches and all that and try to induce the opposition to quick outs. That’s important. As far as location, just a little bit off.”
Price is getting by with a solid 3.61 ERA this year, but some numbers indicate he’s been a bit lucky. Batters are hitting the ball quite hard off him and he ranks right in the middle of the league in Statcast data as it pertains to how frequently batters connect at an exit velocity of 95 mph or greater.
Price, 33, is owed $96 million over the next three years after 2019.
“I do feel that he’ll be fine,” Cora said. “Foul balls are something you can’t control, either. Teams have their approach and they try to get that pitch count up against certain pitchers and I think the last three, that’s been the case.”
Price has a career 3.16 ERA vs. the Rays.
Hanley hopeful
Hanley Ramirez wants to play again. Ramirez, 35, had right shoulder surgery last week and hopes to be healthy to play again next year, according to MLB Network.
Ramirez had problems with his right shoulder while he was with the Red Sox and missed time because of the injury in 2015, when he hurt it while slamming into the wall. He previously had injuries to his left shoulder.
He was signed by Cleveland in February but played in just 16 games, hitting .184 with one double and two homers before the Indians released him.
Injury updates
Red Sox lefty Brian Johnson (elbow) is back on a five-day routine on a rehab assignment and will pitch again Sunday as the Sox try to extend him as a starting pitcher.
Nathan Eovaldi (elbow, biceps) was available to pitch again last night after throwing 24 pitches and allowing three runs in his return Monday night. There are no restrictions on Eovaldi’s usage.
Steve Pearce (knee) is feeling better but the Red Sox are not counting on his return anytime soon, Cora said.