It’s a case of confidence
Bregman, Astros feeling good about chances in Game 3
HOUSTON — Alex Bregman and the Astros are brimming with confidence, even after a Game 2 AL Championship Series defeat to the Red Sox.
For proof, just see Bregman’s social media feed.
Hours after the Red Sox beat the Astros 7-5 to even the best-of-seven series at a game each, Bregman shared video Monday on Instagram of the Astros hitting back-to-back-toback home runs against Game 3 Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi from a game in June.
“Lil pregame video work,” he wrote.
Eovaldi will oppose Dallas Keuchel in Houston on Tuesday after Rick Porcello was used in relief during Game 2, when the Astros took their first loss of the postseason. Eovaldi’s previous start against the Astros didn’t go well. The righthander allowed seven hits and four runs in a 5-1 loss June 20 while with the Rays, including a seasonhigh four homers.
Three of those were hit in succession by George Springer, Bregman and Jose Altuve in the sixth inning.
The Astros didn’t work out Monday, so the brazen 24-year-old Bregman wasn’t available to reporters. Plenty of others weighed in, though, including Astros manager AJ Hinch. He had no issue with the online barb.
“Welcome to the current generation,” Hinch said. “Obviously there’s fun banter. We want guys to have their personalities, have their fun. Then go out and back it up.”
Eovaldi didn’t seem bothered by the video, saying he doesn’t have social media but some of his teammates told him about it.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who is close with Bregman from his time as Houston’s bench coach last season, brushed off the notion that Bregman’s video could provide an added push for his team Tuesday.
“If you need motivation in Game 3 of the ALCS, you better check yourself,” he said. “Because you win three more games, you go to the show, and that’s what should motivate you. Alex has different ways of motivating himself. And whatever. I’ll leave it at that.”
The Red Sox got good news Tuesday when ace Chris Sale was released from a hospital after an overnight stay because of a stomach illness. He was scheduled to join the team in Houston on Tuesday night, and Cora said they’d decide when he’d pitch again after that.
The Astros’ Marwin Gonzalez was expected to play Tuesday despite dealing with chest and back soreness after crashing into the Green Monster trying to make a catch Sunday night. Hinch said last year’s MVP Altuve could be the Astros designated hitter in Game 3 because he’s still struggling with a knee he bruised in the ALDS.