Entering Tuesday’s series opener in Atlanta, the Red Sox were on a five-game losing streak and in need of an offensive spark. The bats did the job in a 9-4 win headlined by a Rafael Devers grand slam. After the win, Alex Cora spoke to reporters and discussed the progress he saw offensively.
“The line was moving today,” Cora said. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish, right? The bottom of the lineup set the table for the big boys, and then they do what they do.”
Cora added that the lineup’s approach against Kyle Wright set the tone to control the game early on. The offense posted six runs before a bases-loaded walk from Alex Verdugo and a Trevor Story two-run single added three runs in the ninth to secure the victory.
“We didn’t add on until the end, but I think overall it was probably one of the best games we’ve had as far as controlling the zone,” Cora said. “He wasn’t able to use his fastball the way he had been using it. Overall, we did a good job.”
After sending a 96-mile-per-hour fastball of the façade above the bullpen in right-center field, Cora complimented the recent stretch at the plate for Rafael Devers.
Rafael Devers - Boston Red Sox (5) pic.twitter.com/Wri4fx6xGJ
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 11, 2022
“Overall, a lot of good at-bats,” Cora said. “He’s locked in right now with his swing and the quality of the at-bats are phenomenal.”
Boston looks to win the two-game series on Wednesday. Nathan Eovaldi will be on the mound.
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Red Sox Opponent Profile: What to know about the 2022 Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay in 2021 continued a stretch of dominant play through a young core molded in a talented player development department. The Rays ran away with the division, winning the American League East over the Red Sox by eight games in 2021, in a 100-win season. Despite being upset by the Red Sox in four games in the American League Division Series, the Rays return in 2022 as postseason contenders once again.
Additions
Corey Kluber #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Tropicana Field on April 10, 2022 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay opted for two signings to bolster depth instead of making a big splash. In the rotation, the Rays added Corey Kluber on a one-year deal for $8 million. After two forgettable seasons, Kluber held his own in 16 games with the Yankees in 2021, pitching to a 5-3 record with a 3.83 ERA. The veteran right-hander struck out just over nine batters per nine innings and tossed a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers.
If Kluber can continue to bounce back, Tampa Bay’s deep analytics department that has created a machine of elite arms can certainly help. In the bullpen, the Rays signed Brooks Raley to add a lefthander in relief. Raley served as a valuable arm for Houston last season, striking out 11.9 batters per nine innings and offers versatility for Kevin Cash this season.
Departures
Apr 15, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
After slugging 13 home runs in 55 games following his acquisition at the trade deadline, Nelson Cruz departed for Washington on a one-year deal to join his seventh team in his career. Depth arms such as Michael Wacha, Collin McHugh, Chris Archer and David Robertson all departed as well. But if their history is any indication, the Rays should be able to replace those arms from within.
Offense
Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (5) hits a two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Two young superstars drive this Tampa Bay offense in Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena. Franco made the most of his call to the big leagues in 2021 as baseball’s top prospect posted a .810 OPS in 53 games. Franco also served as a thorn in Boston’s side throughout 2021, delivering a series of big hits against the Red Sox, from his first career home run to two big flies during the ALDS at Fenway.
For Arozarena, the outfielder followed up his historic 2020 postseason by winning Rookie of the Year in the American League. Arozarena hit. 274 with 20 HR and a .815 OPS. Bats such as Brandon Lowe (39 HR in 2021), Brett Phillips and Yandy Diaz are all capable of legitimate production when they find their names in the lineup.
Manager
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (20) and Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) shake hands before the start of the home opener at Fenway Park.
As an annual candidate for Manager of the Year, Kevin Cash combines a high baseball IQ from his catching background with an understanding of how to best utilize modern analytics. Cash is the right man to script and direct a low-payroll team of developed players into perennial contenders. Cash looks to make history and win his third consecutive Manager of the Year award.
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