2026 Red Sox/MLB Season Thread

[Vermont Green]

Sox starters are only ranked 5th best in the AL for the season, based on ERA.  They are behind NYY, TBR, and CLE (likely playoff opponents).  Not having Crochet all season is an impact.  And he had some bad games before they shut him down, not helping the team ranking.

I have been saying this for while, it is tough to see the Sox as a true World Series contender without Crochet, or even with him only pitching 2 innings.  They have the cushion to get guys rested, which is a big plus.  That is why Gray isn't pitching tonight.  This would be the 6th day for him but they are skipping him.  And I am sure Tolle and Bennett will be innings managed down the stretch.

[BitterJim]

Tyron Guerrero to the 15 day IL, Olds gets promoted back to the team to fill the slot. I'm glad to have him back, but not at the cost of Guerrero. If it's a minor injury and this is more for rest, though, then that's a good thing, we've been leaning on Guerrero a lot.

In another pitching move, Jedixson Paez was promoted from AAA as the Sep 1st call up and will start tonight. Apparently he's more of a control pitcher, not a great fastball but some good secondaries and great control. He's done well in AA and AAA this year, but struggled in 3 IP in the MLB with the White Sox in April. Hopefully that was just part of his development and not a sign if things to come. On an interesting note roster-wise, Paez was a prospect in the Red Sox system, then got selected by the White Sox in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft. The White Sox cut him from their active roster in April, though, so he defaulted back to the Red Sox.

[BitterJim]

Tyron Guerrero to the 15 day IL, Olds gets promoted back to the team to fill the slot. I'm glad to have him back, but not at the cost of Guerrero. If it's a minor injury and this is more for rest, though, then that's a good thing, we've been leaning on Guerrero a lot.

In another pitching move, Jedixson Paez was promoted from AAA as the Sep 1st call up and will start tonight. Apparently he's more of a control pitcher, not a great fastball but some good secondaries and great control. He's done well in AA and AAA this year, but struggled in 3 IP in the MLB with the White Sox in April. Hopefully that was just part of his development and not a sign if things to come. On an interesting note roster-wise, Paez was a prospect in the Red Sox system, then got selected by the White Sox in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft. The White Sox cut him from their active roster in April, though, so he defaulted back to the Red Sox.

It was a sign of things to come. 8 runs over 3.2 innings actually managed to raise his 18.00 MLB ERA to 18.90. Luckily Olds was able to go 2.1 innings, and Gamboa 2 more, so we didn't blow through all of our relievers, but you want better than that from a AAA callup

[Goldstar88]

Roman Anthony has been on fire since his return. Great to see. Also:

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Wednesday that Crochet (lat/shoulder) will likely throw a bullpen session Friday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

[Donoghus]

RIP Walpole Joe

https://x.com/redsox/status/2096650058255007918?s=46&t=cFAQIuWEg12FaJRo2itehw

I have vague recollections of the ?86 squad but the ?88 ?Morgan Magic? team was the first real Sox team I remember being invested in as a young kid.  That was a fun summer. Helluva run there.

[Vermont Green]

Sox win today without arguably their 3 best everyday lineup hitters, Contreras, Abreu, and Rafaela. Just 2.5 behind the Yankees.  Still possible to catch NYY. 

Story looking like an everyday SS.  Anthony and Rutschman up and down but still good.  Gasper staying hot.  Even White hitting.

Is Tracy eligible for manager of the year?   

[BitterJim]

Sox win today without arguably their 3 best everyday lineup hitters, Contreras, Abreu, and Rafaela. Just 2.5 behind the Yankees.  Still possible to catch NYY. 

Story looking like an everyday SS.  Anthony and Rutschman up and down but still good.  Gasper staying hot.  Even White hitting.

Is Tracy eligible for manager of the year?

Only 2.5 GB, but that's really 3.5 GB since they now hold the tiebreaker. It's an uphill battle, but doable

Not only is Tracy eligible, he's one of the favorites. Will Veneblebof the White Sox is the favorite, but Tracy and Kevin Cash have a good chance, too. I think if the Guardians take 1st from the White Sox then Veneble's odds drop significantly enough that it becomes a tight 3-way race, and if the Red Sox jump into 2nd then he becomes the favorite. Here's hoping.

[Vermont Green]

I guess Kevin Cash is a good pick to win.  He has TB playing great baseball.  It may come down to how they hold up down the stretch.

Interesting (at least to me) that Tracy is starting Bello today.  I get it, they want to try and see if he is over whatever his issue was.  They must be considering him as a starter for the playoffs.  Otherwise, why not just use an opener today?  They have guys that can do that with all the call ups.

[BitterJim]

I guess Kevin Cash is a good pick to win.  He has TB playing great baseball.  It may come down to how they hold up down the stretch.

Interesting (at least to me) that Tracy is starting Bello today.  I get it, they want to try and see if he is over whatever his issue was.  They must be considering him as a starter for the playoffs.  Otherwise, why not just use an opener today?  They have guys that can do that with all the call ups.

Yeah, it's an interesting choice. Hopefully it works, we don't have anyone to eat 5+ innings if he can't handle starting in the 1st