Eovaldi still hoping to make his potentially final starts in Sox uniform
Nathan Eovaldi recognizes the looming finality of his situation.
The veteran pitcher, who can become a free agent after this season, knows he may not have much time left in a Red Sox uniform, and he wants to make it count. Eovaldi hasn’t made a start since Aug. 12 because of a right shoulder injury, but even with only 16 games remaining and the Red Sox headed toward a last-place finish, he wants to return and make a start or two.
After looking strong in a four-inning, 65-pitch simulated game Sunday at Fenway Park, it looks like Eovaldi might get his potential swan song after fourplus memorable years with the Red Sox. He’s expected to pitch in a minor league rehab start this week, which could set him up for two final home starts.
“I’m hoping I’ll be able to make my last two,” Eovaldi said. “I think if everything goes well, it will be one rehab start and go out there and compete. I’d love to be able to go out there, especially pitching in front of the home crowd again.
“I love pitching here regardless of any time of the year, but especially these two being possibly my last two, I’m excited for them.”
Asked if pitching for a potentially final time with the Red Sox is something that’s weighed on his mind, Eovaldi said he wants to compete again in front of the fans after another season that’s been ravaged by injuries.
“I felt like I missed too much time this year and just being back on the mound, I’ve always loved pitching in front of our fans,” Eovaldi said. “Our fans are
outstanding, and they show the love and support. You see (Saturday) night, we had almost a sellout and the crowd was full
and we’re in last place right now. I think that means a lot to us.”
It’s been a frustrating 2022 for Eovaldi, who finally got through a season fully
healthy in 2021 as he made 32 starts and became a first-time All-star. But the injury bug has come back to bite him in
his contract year. A back issue sidelined him in June, then he came back a little too
soon and saw his velocity decrease upon his return. Then came the shoulder issue last month. He’s made just 18 starts and thrown 99 ⅔ innings this season.
“I’ve been healthy the last two years and especially last year being able to make all my starts and coming in and really not having any arm issues but having the
shoulder stuff now is frustrating for me,” Eovaldi said. “I feel like I tried to rush the back stuff . ... But I feel good now and I’m ready to go.”
Though slowed by injuries, Eovaldi has made a big impact since joining the Red Sox at the trade deadline in 2018. He
was a major contributor to that season’s championship and has become a leader on the pitching staff since. If this is his last hurrah in Boston, he deserves a chance to
go out on a high note.