We’re only four games in, but it’s clear that the Boston Red Sox need to hit better than they have to start the season. And they will. They’re too good not to.
Alex Cora’s postgame reaction to the Sox’ most recent loss, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Tigers, reflects a calmness and optimism that’s appropriate for a Red Sox offense that is far better on paper than their early results would suggest. Entering Tuesday, the Red Sox are tied for 21st in Major League Baseball in total runs with 21. The teams they’ve faced, the Yankees and Tigers, are 20th and 23rd, respectively. And yet here the Sox are at 1-3.
Cora, however, kept it simple when discussing the team’s slow offensive start.
“I believe we’re going to score runs,” Cora said. “Just a matter, to be honest with you, to slow the game down, now. Don’t try to do too much, just put good at-bats, start putting good at-bats.
“Don’t get caught up in the results, just get back to the process. … if we do that, we should be OK.”
J.D. Martinez provided the only run the Red Sox could scratch across the plate on Monday with his first home run of the season. Third baseman Rafael Devers went 2-for-4, including a double in the ninth inning, but was left stranded on base to end the game.
It will certainly help the Red Sox to get newly signed second baseman Trevor Story back in the lineup. He’s missed the last two games with a non-COVID-related illness, and will be out again on Tuesday. Here’s the full Red Sox lineup in Detroit on Tuesday:
CF Kiké Hernández
3B Rafael Devers
SS Xander Bogaerts
DH J.D. Martinez
1B Bobby Dalbec
RF Christian Arroyo
LF Alex Verdugo
C Kevin Plawecki
2B Jonathan Araúz
First pitch is currently expected for 1:10 p.m. ET.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
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