Red Sox Shut Down By AL East Pitcher For Third Time This Season

The Boston Red Sox are still trying to figure out José Berríos.

Boston’s losing streak extended to six with Friday’s 9-0 shutout against the Toronto Blue Jays. Berríos continued his long-running success against his American League East foe, tossing seven scoreless innings in his fourth win of the season.

With that gem, Berríos maintained Boston’s number. He’s allowed three combined runs in three starts against the Red Sox this season, permitting 15 hits and five walks with 18 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.

That success isn’t limited to 2025. Berríos held Boston to three runs (two earned) over 7 2/3 frames in their only 2024 encounter, a 7-3 Blue Jays victory. While the Red Sox tagged him for 12 runs in their first three 2023 matchups, the right-hander redeemed himself with seven shutout innings that September.

Berríos now has a 3.38 ERA in 18 career starts against the Red Sox, striking out exactly one batter per inning. The 31-year-old boasts a 1.27 ERA in their past five meetings.

Boston isn’t the only offense to struggle against Berríos, who has a 3.26 ERA this season after allowing no earned runs in four of his last six starts. With his help, the Blue Jays possess the American League’s second wild-card spot and sit three games behind the New York Yankees for the division lead.

The Red Sox may prefer to avoid Berríos when they travel to Toronto in late September. However, they must first reverse their struggles against another crafty veteran.

Boston’s batters will attempt to bounce back Saturday afternoon when facing Chris Bassitt, who has a 2.31 ERA in eight career starts versus the Red Sox.