By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Red Sox opened up their series in the Bronx with an ugly loss to the Yankees, falling 8-0 on Tuesday night.
W: James Paxton (2-2)
L: Chris Sale (0-4)
1. Stuff improves, results don’t for Sale
Chris Sale’s velocity ticked up, hitting 97 multiple times on the gun, but the results were no better as the Sox ace gave up four runs over five innings of work.
Sale’s slider was sharp at times, helping him tally six strikeouts, but the Yankees were still able to square him up consistently over his final three innings of work. The lefty gave up seven hits in the losing effort.
2. Paxton dominates:
James Paxton tossed what will easily be one the best outings against the Red Sox this year, throwing eight shutout innings. He struck out 12 and gave up just two hits.
The Sox stood no chance against Paxton. He was overpowering and outstanding.
3. Carrying 13 pitchers proves worthless again:
Erasmo Ramirez, the latest addition to the Red Sox bullpen, was rocked in his three innings of work, giving up a three-run homer to somebody named Mike Tauchman and a solo shot to Gleyber Torres.
It’s fair to wonder what the purpose of carrying eight relief pitchers is, given the Red Sox need for position players. Dustin Pedroia can’t play every day, Andrew Benintendi remains sidelined with a foot contusion, and Blake Swihart’s departure hurts the versatility of the Red Sox depleted three-man bench.
Ramirez will likely be sent back down to Pawtucket soon and another pitcher will be called up in his place, but it’s safe to say carrying the extra pitcher has done little to help the Red Sox win ballgames.
4. Sandy Leon, Pitching Whisperer:
So much for Sandy Leon’s presence improving the Red Sox putrid pitching staff.
Leon went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Hardcore Baseball podcast and on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.