BOSTON — The Red Sox look cooked.
Dustin Pedroia and John Farrell declared before Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park that no one in the Red Sox’s clubhouse is giving up on the season despite the team’s disappointing start. But while that mentality is admirable, the Sox did little to back up their faith in a 4-2 loss.
The Red Sox have lost seven consecutive games, making their longest losing streak since dropping eight straight last August. Their four-game home losing streak matches their longest such streak this season.
Let’s run down some notes from Monday.
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— Rick Porcello recorded perfect innings in the first, second, third, fifth and sixth. His other two frames — the fourth and the seventh — proved problematic, though, and the right-hander ultimately suffered his fifth consecutive loss as a result of a four-run yield.
Porcello tossed his glove down the runway toward the clubhouse in frustration after being removed with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh inning.
— The Red Sox recalled left-handed reliever Robbie Ross Jr. from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game. Utility man Jeff Bianchi was designated for assignment.
Ross was thrown right into the fire in his return, as the lefty replaced Porcello with the bags packed in the seventh. He allowed only one of the three inherited runners to score before inducing an inning-ending double play. The run was charged to Porcello.
Ross, whose ERA sits at 4.82, hasn’t allowed an earned run at Fenway this season. He’s tossed 8 2/3 shutout innings over seven home appearances while holding opposing hitters to a .233 average (7-for-30).
— Xander Bogaerts’ seventh-inning home run snapped an 87-at-bat homerless drought. He hadn’t homered since May 20, though the shortstop is one of the few players playing extremely well for Boston.
Bogaerts is hitting .362 (21-for-58) since May 31. The 22-year-old also is showing some leadership qualities in his sophomore campaign, with the most recent example coming Sunday, when he stayed and fielded questions from reporters after a 13-5 loss while most of the team departed immediately following the contest.
Farrell was asked before Monday’s game about players not making themselves available to the media after Sunday’s loss. Bogaerts, Eduardo Rodriguez, Blake Swihart and Steven Wright were among those who answered questions, but most of the veterans left without notice. The manager said the issue has been addressed.
“We understand and players are reminded of their need to be available postgame. That is put forth to them,” Farrell said. “Whether that’s being interpreted as a lack of accountability, I wouldn’t say that, because when a player is there to answer questions after a good night, they need to equally be there for questioning after a bad night.”
— Mookie Betts matched his season-high with three hits after missing the last two games with back soreness. He said he’s beginning to feel more comfortable at the plate, though he couldn’t pinpoint the exact nature of the adjustments he’s been making offensively.
— Pablo Sandoval produced two doubles.
Sandoval’s first double, which he hit in the seventh inning, was the 200th double of his career. His second double, which he collected in the ninth inning, was his 1,000th career hit.
Sandoval is hitting .387 (12-for-31) with six extra-base hits and six RBIs in his last eight games. He’s hit safely in his last six games, which marks his longest hitting streak in a Red Sox uniform.
— The Red Sox activated left-handed reliever Craig Breslow from the paternity leave list before the game. Infielder Travis Shaw was optioned to Pawtucket to make room on the active roster.
— Outfielder Carlos Peguero, who elected free agency after being designated for assignment June 4, signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox. He’ll be stationed in Pawtucket.
— The LG Twins of Korea’s KBO League acquired the contract of infielder Luis Jimenez from the Red Sox.
— Brandon Workman underwent Tommy John surgery Monday, officially ending his 2015 season, which never really got off the ground.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
