Red Sox: Win Mariners Series, Take on Lowly White Sox Next

Lights Out

Since April 25th, 17 of Closer RHP Craig Kimbrel’s 18 appearances have been scoreless. He has just allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits, and has struck out 40% of the batters he’s faced. Kimbrel throws electrifying stuff with a 98-99 MPH fastball and a high 80s slider to fool hitters like you read about. The Red Sox closer picked up two straight saves in Saturday and Sunday’s victories, as he now has 16 saves on the season with an astonishing 1.98 ERA. These numbers make Kimbrel not only one of the best closers in baseball, but one of the most feared pitchers in the game, just ask Mariners Nelson Cruz..

In other Red Sox news, OF Rusney Castillo was placed on waivers this past weekend, and was not claimed by any other team. Castillo will be sent to Pawtucket (AAA), the Red Sox signed him to seven-year, $72.5 million contract in 2014 after defecting from Cuba. Castillo is due a $10.5 million this year, and could make up to an additional $46 million more through the 2020 season if his player option is exercised following the 2018 season. A big waste of money to say the least, but luckily in the sport of baseball there is no salary cap so it’s not the worst thing to happen to this ball club. Who knows maybe it was his dance moves…

RHP Steven Wright will start the opener against the Chicago White Sox in a 4-game series starting Monday night. Wright continues to be one of the main pieces of this pitching staff (2.22 ERA), and looks to have a fan base who want to get the knuckleballer in next months Summer Classic. The Red Sox will end their home-stand Thursday night and will head to Arlington to take on the Texas Rangers this upcoming weekend.

Next: Red Sox Waive Castillo Amongst Fury of Moves

As the Red Sox continue to grind through the 2016 season, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions for the best team coverage.