BOSTON -- Alex Verdugo’s two-run homer in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s win was a mere footnote in the Red Sox’ blowout, but it was quite meaningful to the outfielder.
Verdugo’s blast, which put Boston up 8-1 over the A’s, was his first home run since April 16. He had gone a career-long 48 games and 210 plate appearances without a home run. As the ball sailed into the home bullpen, Verdugo celebrated with a grin, a point toward Boston’s relievers and a fist pump or two as he rounded the bases.
The blast had been a long time coming.
“I kind of forgot how it felt,” Verdugo said. “Really, though, it felt good. I knew it has been a while since I put one over the fence. To come up, get some extra insurance and see one leave the yard was a big relief. Like a monkey off my back.”
Verdugo had 13 homers in 146 games last year and started this season on a power streak, hitting three dingers in his first eight games. Then, the homer-less streak started. As his teammates began to pile on home runs, Verdugo stayed at three.
“Certain days, it weighs heavy and then other days, it doesn’t matter... I’ve been seeing a lot of guys hitting homers,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Man, when am I gonna get a cart ride?’”
Verdugo, who entered Wednesday hitting just .224 with 12 extra-base hits and a .558 OPS in his last 43 games, led Boston with four RBIs in the club’s 10-1 win. He was 3-for-5 with a run. Manager Alex Cora has consistently said over the last few weeks that Verdugo is hitting the ball hard but running into bad luck. Cora was glad to see those well-struck balls turn into results Wednesday.
“Dugie’s in a good spot,” Cora said. “I know the homers, we’ve talked about, but the quality of the at-bats have been much better the last two-and-a-half, three weeks. He knows how important he is hitting behind those guys.”
Winckowski gets first win
Righty Josh Winckowski picked up his first career major league win in his second career start. He tossed five scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out three batters.
Winckowski walked Tony Kemp to lead off the game but then settled in and pounded the strike zone. He threw 52 of his 79 (66%) pitches for strikes. Getting the win represented an important milestone for Winckowski, who struggled in his MLB debut against the Orioles on May 28.
“It’s a surreal moment,” he said. “It’s obviously something you think about for a really, really long time. Especially to be for this team, it’s a pretty big moment.”
Winckowski became the second Red Sox rookie starter to throw five scoreless innings in a matter of three days. Kutter Crawford did it in Seattle on Sunday. With Nate Eovaldi and Garrett Whitlock both sidelined due to injury, the two young righties have stepped up admirably.
“Just like Kutter in Seattle, he gave us five (innings),” Cora said. “At one point we were like, ‘He might give us six’ but five was enough.
“It’s very important,” Cora added. “And we’ve still got more. We believe we have more. The fact that Kutter is pitching Saturday, can slow things down. We’ll see where we go with Josh. They have good stuff. What (WooSox pitching coach Paul Abbott) doing down there in Triple-A is worth mentioning. He’s really good.
The contributions from Crawford and Winckowski might just be the tip of the iceberg for the Red Sox in terms of contributions from young pitchers this season. Brayan Bello, Connor Seabold, Bryan Mata and Brandon Walter could all factor into the major league picture by the end of 2022.
“We prepare these kids to come up here and pitch. We expect them to do a good job,” Cora said. “Stuff-wise, they’re really good.”
Arroyo tests positive
Infielder/outfielder Christian Arroyo was placed on the COVID-19 related injured list after testing positive for the virus. He was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup due to illness. Jarren Duran replaced him on the active roster.
It’s unclear how much time Arroyo will miss. Cora said he’s feeling OK.
Taylor progressing (and other injury updates)
Lefty Josh Taylor (low back strain) threw a live batting practice session before the game. He’s in line to do that one more time before being sent on a rehab assignment. The reliever may be just a couple weeks away from making his season debut.
Chris Sale (stress fracture in right rib cage) will throw his next live BP session Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. Cora thinks he’ll need an additional live BP early next week before being sent on a rehab stint. Thursday’s session should last 15-20 pitches.
Lefty starter James Paxton (Tommy John surgery) threw a 15-pitch bullpen at Fenway on Wednesday. He’s still a ways away from joining the team. Outfielder Kiké Hernández (right hip flexor strain) ran on the field and is feeling better. Eovaldi (low back inflammation) and Whitlock (right hip inflammation) are feeling better but have not yet thrown off a mound. The Sox hope all three can be activated as soon as they are eligible. For Hernández, that would be Saturday; Eovaldi and Whitlock could return as soon as next Friday in Cleveland.
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