The Red Sox have exceeded expectations through their first four games, winning three against their division rivals, the Yankees and Blue Jays. While the team as a whole seems to be clicking, closer Joel Hanrahan has stood out from the pack.
Hanrahan has proven to be worth the package Boston gave up for the longtime National League reliever — Jerry Sands, Stolmy Pimentel, Ivan DeJesus Jr. and Mark Melancon. Hanrahan has appeared in three games so far and allowed zero runs, one hit and one walk while striking out two and recording two saves.
After Andrew Bailey went down early in the 2012 season, the Red Sox couldn’t get reliable production out of Alfredo Aceves in the closer role. The season is still young, but Hanrahan has looked up to the challenge of facing off against the AL East’s best batters.
For his three scoreless appearances and two saves, Hanrahan is this week’s Amica Pitcher of the Week.