EIGHTH GRADE: UNSATISFACTORY
Kimbrel has been scuffling, but team confident he can return to form
But the front office must be thinking, ‘‘any time now, Craig.’’
And those who would be getting the ball to Kimbrel are almost as vital to the Sox’ World Series hopes. Michael Kopech’s ERA has climbed from 1.52 on July 30 to 3.69 with a September ERA of 5.40, albeit with 16 strikeouts and two walks over 8„ innings. He is trending better with one earned run allowed in his last five outings, however. And Ryan Tepera, another deadline acquisition from the Cubs, cut his finger at his apartment and hasn’t pitched since Sept. 10. He hopes to pitch in three games before the postseason.
Left-hander Aaron Bummer (3.86 ERA) has struck out 10, walked one and allowed one run over nine appearances in September, and lefty Garrett Crochet hasn’t allowed a run in seven appearances this month, allowing three hits and one walk. Right-hander Jose Ruiz (2.89 ERA) is riding a streak of 10 consecutive scoreless outings dating to Aug. 25, mostly in lower-leverage situations.
And then there’s Hendriks (2.77 ERA, 34 saves), the least of the Sox’ worries. The AL saves leader has a remarkable strikeouts-towalks ratio of 103 to seven, and looks to be rounding into playoff form with one run allowed in his last 14 appearances.
As everyone waits for Kimbrel, Hasler doesn’t seem worried.
“Number one, it’s not for lack of stuff,” Hasler said. “The stuff is coming out of his hand extremely well. The velocity is good, the sharpness, depth and late break of the breaking ball are good. He’s getting strikeouts.
“I have no doubt Craig will get it figured out and as the games get bigger he’ll step up even more. He’s a huge part of what we’re going to do. We’re going to hand the ball to Craig and Liam and absolutely be in real good shape.”
NOTE: The Sox and Tigers were rained out Wednesday, as were the Indians and Royals, leaving the Sox’ magic number to clinch the AL Central at 2. The Sox could clinch as soon as Thursday with one win in their doubleheader against the Indians.