The Boston Red Sox record in one-run games dropped to 6-17 on Tuesday night after a 4-3 loss in extra innings to the Los Angeles Angels. Boston's chances of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 have reached a new low, and manager Alex Cora is starting to feel his seat get warm. Losing 8 of their last 10 games has dropped the team to 29-34, ten games back of the Yankees and 5 games out of the final AL wild card spot.
In Monday's series opener against the Halos, one Red Sox starter made his second start after being placed on the injured list on April 12th with a right pectoral strain. The injury sidelined Richard Fitts for about a month and a half, before returning to start on May 27th against the Brewers.
Fitts pitched well in a limited outing, striking out two Brewers while only surrendering 2 hits and a walk in three innings of work.
It looked like Fitts was trending back in the right direction after starting the season strong before his injury, as he went 5 or more innings and only allowed 6 total runs in three starts against the Rangers, Blue Jays and White Sox. His contributions were needed at this point in the season with Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello starting the year on the injured list, as the 25-year-old provided the Red Sox with good outings when called upon.
That was until Fitts started Monday's game against the Angels, where he endured his worst outing of the season. History was made at Fenway Park when Fitts allowed three home runs in the first inning, as no visiting team had done in the park's 123-year history.
Fitts' final line was horrific, as he only went one inning, allowing four hits, 6 runs (5 earned) and walking one batter in a 39-pitch performance. It was apparent that Fitts was still dealing with some of the effects from his pectoral strain, and the Red Sox announced a roster move that will allow Fitts to work out the kinks in Worcester before returning to Boston.
Richard Fitts Optioned To Worcester After Horrific Start
In a slew of roster moves that sees Hunter Dobbins, Cooper Criswell and Zack Kelly back with the team, Fitts is headed back down to Triple-A as the Red Sox pitching injuries continue to affect the team.
Luckily for the team, Hunter Dobbins has shown flashes when asked to step into the rotation. He's recorded a 2-1 record, 4.06 ERA and 37 strikeouts through seven starts this season. Until Fitts is ready to return, the team should be in good hands with their up-and-coming righty.
Boston has a bottom-half pitching staff in terms of team ERA (3.93), paired with the most blown saves in the league (14). That's not a good formula to win baseball games, even if the Red Sox offense scores 4-5 runs a game. They have not been helped in terms of avoiding injuries, as Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito have all spent time on the injured list this season.
Red Sox fans hope the pitching can get better during the month of June, as wins will have to come in bunches against familiar AL East foes.