CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Triston McKenzie will make his fifth start of the 2024 season on Thursday. McKenzie owns a 2-2 record through four starts with a 5.00 ERA.
McKenzie has yet to pitch into the sixth inning this year. He’s been limited to 84 pitches in each of his last two starts. Cleveland starters have failed to log six or more innings pitched in 16 of their last 17 games.
His last outing was his second longest of the year when he pitched five innings against the Athletics. He struck out six batters and gave up one run on three hits in the game.
In one career start against Boston, McKenzie allowed four runs on six hits, struck out six hitters, and was charged with the loss.
Bullpen game – Chase Anderson (0-0, 2.77 ERA) gets the start for Boston in the series finale. The right-hander has appeared in six games this season out of the Red Sox bullpen.
In one outing this year against the Guardians, Anderson allowed two runs on three hits in one inning of work.
The biggest weapon of the Boston Red Sox this season has been their starting pitching, regardless of who has been on the mound. Their starting rotation owns a 1.73 ERA, the lowest starter ERA by a team through 25 games in the Divisional Era.
The success of Boston’s starters has been on full display in the series. The Guardians offense was shut out in the first six innings of Tuesday and Wednesday's games against the Red Sox.
Boston’s hot hitters – The Red Sox are coming off an 8-0 win over the Guardians on Wednesday night. Boston had 16 hits against Cleveland pitching with most of the damage coming courtesy of Connor Wong and Rafael Devers.
Wong is coming off his third four-hit game in his career. He hit two homers in Boston’s 8-0 win. Against the Guardians this year, Wong is hitting .500 (9-for-18) with four homers and seven RBI. Five of his 15 career home runs have come against Cleveland.
“Obviously he’s a good hitter and he’s got our number right now,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “I think a lot of times it comes down to execution. He’s gotten some pitches over the middle and hasn’t missed them.”
Rafael Devers was back in the Red Sox lineup on Wednesday after missing five games with a knee injury. In his return, the two-time All-Star went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI ground-rule double.
On the road this year, Devers is batting .278 (10-for-36). He bats second in the lineup in Thursday's series finale.
Back in the clubhouse – Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak now has a spot in the Guardians clubhouse. Karinchak is still on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation and has yet to make his season debut.
“James is obviously continuing with his throwing progression,” Vogt said. “He’s going to travel with us on this next road trip. It’s a good time for our pitching guys to get their eyes on him. He’s getting closer to getting on the mound.”
On Tuesday, Vogt said that Karinchak is throwing out to 250 feet in his throwing program. Vogt also said that he’s been feeling well for a while now. Karinchak will be with the team for the next six games as they travel to Atlanta and Houston on their road trip starting on Friday.
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