Series Preview: Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins
After taking two-of-three from the St. Louis Cardinals, the Red Sox are 6-9, simply two video games out of first place within the AL East. Ditto a Wild Card spot. Their run differential is zero. The offense has scored 62 runs, third within the division after Tampa Bay (70) and New York (65). The pitching can also be third within the division in runs allowed behind the Yankees (44) and Orioles (59).
After going through the National League to this point this season it is time to play within the AL. First up, the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins are off to a really strong begin at 9-7, simply half a recreation behind the Cleveland Guardians. After the selloff at 2025 commerce deadline, getting off to a +.500 document is music to their followers’ ears. FanGraphs nonetheless initiatives the crew at a tick below .500 for the 12 months, however with the Tigers popping out of the gate slightly weaker who is aware of what the AL Central might appear to be.
As Boston seems to show a two-game profitable streak into three, Garrett Crochet takes the ball. Coming off a win in opposition to the Brewers the place he was sensible for about six innings after which slightly gassed as his pitch depend topped 100, the lefty seems to pitch not because the stopper however the continuer. He’s opposed by Bailey Ober, a tall righty who missed a lot of 2025. He’s again this season and issues have been…okay. Over three begins he is totaled 13.2 innings with 8 hits, 7 strikeouts, and 4 walks. In the early going this season his strikeout proportion has dropped from a profession common of 23.7% of batters to 11.9% and his 6.8% stroll fee is the very best of his profession with a 5.3% common fee throughout his time within the majors. With a fastball sitting within the excessive 80s vs the mid-90s is he artful sufficient to get by? Will the rate return?
Tuesday we get one other begin from Sonny Gray, who’s coming off back-to-back robust outings in opposition to the Padres and Brewers. After a lackluster begin to open the season in Cincinnati, Gray excelled in Fenway Park. Now he is taking the present again on the highway, hopefully with these bugs labored out. Mick Abel is a 24-year-old righty who got here to Minnesota from the Philles in alternate for Jhoan Duran. It’s his second season within the majors and he is sitting on a profession 6.19 ERA / 3.87 FIP). So far this 12 months he is strolling (14.9%) virtually the identical proportion of batters he is putting out (19.4%) which is not going to finish properly. Luckily for him final 12 months he solely walked 9.2%. and he is solely 52.1 innings in his main league profession.
The collection finale is a day begin. Connelly Early has had bother getting deep into video games. He’s thrown 96, 88, and 86 pitches and lasted 5.1, 4.0, and 4.1 innings earlier than needing to be eliminated for a reliever. He’s appeared good at instances but in addition slightly misplaced. The crew clearly believes in him. He’s opposed by Simeon Woods Richardson. Another righty, he is coming off a nasty begin after two good outings to start the season. On the 12 months he is tossed 15.2 innings permitting 16 runs (8 earned), 8 hits, struck out 8, and walked 4. He offers up about 34% floor balls so there’s an opportunity to power the protection to make performs.
Royce Lewis is on the IL, as his profession stays irritating in that regard.
Byron Buxton is off to a sluggish begin: .182/.258/.273
Josh Bell has been an incredible asset to this point: .286/.390/.551 with 3 homers. This is properly forward of his profession averages however he is certain on a sizzling streak at the second.
Likely Pitching Matchups
Monday, April 13: Garrett Crochet (3.12 ERA / 2.54 FIP) vs. Bailey Ober (5.27 ERA/3.92 FIP)
Tuesday, April 14: Sonny Gray (2.76 ERA / 6.19 FIP) vs. Mick Abel (6.08 ERA / 3.87 FIP)
Wednesday, April 15: Connelly Early (2.63 ERA / 2.90 FIP) vs. Simeon Woods Richardson (5.35 ERA / 4.29 FIP)
Monday, April 13 at 7:40 PM ET on NESN
Tuesday, April 14: 7:40 PM ET on NESN+
Wednesday, April 15: 1:40 PM ET on NESN
