The Boston Red Sox’s bullpen has been outstanding this season, and it rose to the occasion again on Tuesday.
With the Red Sox desperately needing a road win in their series opener with the Toronto Blue Jays, their relief corps stepped up with a clutch, potentially season-saving performance.
Lucas Giolito struggled with his command, issuing four walks and throwing 98 pitches before departing with two outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the fifth. With the score tied at 1-1, the game was in the bullpen’s capable hands.
Boston’s relievers were lights-out, closing out the game with 4 1/3 hitless innings. Justin Wilson, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman allowed just one baserunner, retiring the final 13 batters they faced to slam the door on the Blue Jays.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth off Kevin Gausman, surging to a critical 4-1 victory at Rogers Centre. At 86-71, they still have a one-game lead over the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians for the second AL Wild Card spot with five games to play.
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Thanks to the additions of Aroldis Chapman and Steven Matz (plus Alex Cora’s excellent managing), Boston’s bullpen has been one of the best units in baseball this year. Red Sox relievers rank second in MLB in ERA (3.45) and FanGraphs WAR (6.9), helping keep the team in contention into the final week of the regular season.
With Garrett Crochet taking the mound on Wednesday, Boston’s bullpen should get a bit of a break if he can provide his usual six or seven quality innings. The Red Sox will need their relievers to keep performing in high-leverage situations if they want to secure a playoff berth this week and potentially go far in October.
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Featured image via Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
