BOSTON — On a night when the Boston Red Sox fell to the Minnesota Twins in a crucial 12-inning game, further deepening their slim postseason aspirations, even more concerning news surfaced.
Third baseman Rafael Devers left the game in the top of the 11th inning and is set to undergo an MRI on his right shoulder Saturday. Manager Alex Cora indicated that Devers’ season might be coming to a close.
“We’ll see where we’re at,” Cora stated following the 4-2 defeat to the Twins. “It’s likely that this is it for him.”
With only eight games remaining in the season and Boston trailing five games behind the third wild-card spot in the American League, there is little justification for risking Devers, who has faced shoulder injuries intermittently throughout the season.
Prior to Friday’s matchup, Cora mentioned that Devers had not reported any discomfort in his shoulders for some time, asserting that his ongoing struggles at the plate were primarily due to mechanical issues.
“Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Cora remarked regarding Devers’ difficulties. “The fact that he isn’t hitting balls to left-center suggests that there are mechanical problems. He hasn’t mentioned his shoulders in quite a while.”
However, after the game, the narrative shifted. Cora revealed that Devers had aggravated his shoulder while swinging in the batting cage just before the game and attempted to play through it. He managed a single to left field but struck out three times, with his throws to first and second base going off-target, causing the fielders to be pulled off the bags.
“You could see he was struggling when he threw today,” Cora acknowledged. “When he was hitting inside (in the batting cages), he felt it.”
Since August 21, Devers has been batting .167 with 29 strikeouts and just one home run.
The injury compounded an already challenging night for the Red Sox.
The Red Sox had an opportunity this weekend to gain ground on the Twins, who clung to the third wild-card spot. It was a must-win game for Boston’s dwindling playoff hopes.
Instead, the Red Sox struck out 20 times, tying a franchise record set in 1974 and 2001. This marked the 83rd game this season where the Red Sox recorded 10 or more strikeouts.
“It’s tough to believe we’re performing this poorly offensively at this stage,” shortstop Trevor Story remarked. “It’s hard to envision given the caliber of players we have. Yet, we’re trapped in a slump that we can’t shake off.”
All 14 Ks from the bullpen 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/rRKDbF2r95
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 21, 2024
This game had the feel of a contest neither team was eager to win, lasting three hours and 58 minutes. The Twins left 15 runners on base while the Red Sox stranded 17. The Red Sox went just 1-for-19 with runners in scoring position.
“We had plenty of opportunities,” Cora noted. “We just didn’t capitalize. Too many strikeouts.”
Boston managed a run in the fourth inning when Tyler O’Neill walked and eventually scored on a Story RBI single. The Twins equalized in the seventh inning off reliever Chris Martin, who allowed two singles with one out before a grounder that appeared to be a double-play ball ended with Devers’ errant throw to second, allowing the tying run to score while only one out was recorded.
For the next four innings, both teams remained tied at 1-1, squandering scoring chances.
In the ninth, Jarren Duran reached base, swiped second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. However, both Devers and O’Neill struck out. After getting to a 3-1 count against Triston Casas, the Twins decided to intentionally walk him, setting up Wilyer Abreu, who struck out, marking the team’s 17th strikeout of the night — a season high.
In the 10th, Connor Wong advanced automatic runner Abreu to third with a bunt, and Story earned a walk. However, Romy Gonzalez, who replaced Devers, tapped the ball back to the mound, allowing Twins pitcher Louie Varland to throw home and retire Abreu. Ceddanne Rafaela then struck out, ending the inning.
Red Sox pitching continued to keep the Twins quiet, but the offense had little to show for it. After Martin allowed the run in the seventh, Lucas Sims, Kenley Jansen, Josh Winckowski, and Greg Weissert each pitched scoreless innings.
In the 11th, with Rafaela on third and one out, both O’Neill and Casas struck out.
Ultimately, in the 12th, as the Red Sox called upon long reliever Cooper Criswell, the Twins opened with a single, followed by a grounder that glanced off Criswell’s glove, allowing the automatic runner to score and give the Twins the lead. They added two more runs via a single and a sacrifice fly.
The Red Sox managed to score one run in the 12th, but by that point, the game was decided.
“We view ourselves as a strong offensive team, but lately that hasn’t been the case,” Cora stated. “The stats reflect it. We had multiple chances to score, but it just didn’t happen.”
The lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing night was rookie Richard Fitts, who delivered five scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out three. He made history as the first pitcher in Red Sox history to throw five-plus innings without allowing an earned run in each of his first three career starts. Only one other pitcher in modern history has achieved this feat — Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott in 2023.
Before the game, the Red Sox suffered another setback as Rob Refsnyder was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right forearm strain, prompting the recall of Vaughn Grissom from Triple-A Worcester for his first appearance since June 1.
The severity of Devers’ shoulder injury will be clearer Saturday, but the outlook for him — and for the Red Sox season — appears grim.
(Photo of Triston Casas after his 11th-inning strikeout, his third of the game: Brian Fluharty / Imagn Images)
Red Sox’s Postseason Hopes Dim as Rafael Devers Faces Potential Season-Ending Injury
The Boston Red Sox have faced numerous challenges throughout the season, but the potential season-ending injury to star third baseman Rafael Devers could be one of the most significant setbacks. As the team eyes a postseason berth, the implications of Devers’ injury could alter not only their playoff hopes but also the future of the franchise. In this article, we will explore the impact of Devers’ injury on the Red Sox, analyze the current state of the team, and discuss potential strategies for moving forward.
Understanding Rafael Devers’ Importance to the Red Sox
Rafael Devers is not just another player on the roster; he is a cornerstone of the Boston Red Sox. Here’s why his presence is crucial:
- Offensive Power: Devers is one of the top hitters in the league, consistently delivering high batting averages and key home runs.
- Defensive Skills: As a third baseman, he brings reliability and quick reflexes, making critical plays that can change the course of a game.
- Leadership: At just 26 years old, Devers has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, motivating younger players and setting an example on and off the field.
The Current State of the Red Sox
As of now, the Red Sox are in a competitive position in the AL East standings, but the absence of Devers could have severe repercussions:
2023 Season Performance Overview
| Player | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Devers | 134 | .290 | 34 | 101 |
| J.D. Martinez | 128 | .275 | 29 | 85 |
| Trevor Story | 115 | .265 | 24 | 70 |
Potential Impact of Devers’ Injury
Should Devers be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the Red Sox will face several challenges:
Offensive Setback
Without Devers, the team loses a significant portion of their offensive output. His ability to come through in clutch situations will be sorely missed during critical games.
Defensive Adjustments
Replacing a player of Devers’ caliber is no easy task. The Red Sox will need to reassess their defensive lineup, which might lead to additional changes in player positions.
Psychological Impact
The morale of the team could take a hit. Devers’ injury might lead to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among players, affecting their performance on the field.
Alternatives and Strategies Moving Forward
In light of the potential loss of Rafael Devers, the Red Sox management needs to consider several alternatives and strategies:
Internal Options
- Call Up Minor League Talent: Players like Triston Casas could fill the gap, providing fresh energy and opportunities for growth.
- Utilize Utility Players: Players such as Christian Arroyo can be flexible to play third base, although they may not offer the same offensive power.
Trade Opportunities
The Red Sox might explore trades to acquire a third baseman or bolster their lineup in other areas. This option would require a careful evaluation of available players and potential trade packages.
Focus on Pitching
Strengthening the pitching staff could lessen the burden on the offense. By securing more victories through strong pitching performances, the team can stay competitive even without Devers.
Case Studies: Other Teams Overcoming Key Injuries
Several teams in Major League Baseball have successfully navigated the loss of key players:
- 2021 San Francisco Giants: The Giants sustained multiple injuries but used a combination of depth players and strategic matchups to stay in the playoff race.
- 2017 Chicago Cubs: The Cubs faced injuries to their bullpen but acquired solid relievers at the trade deadline, helping them clinch their division.
Practical Tips for Fans and Supporters
As the Red Sox navigate this challenging time, fans can support the team in several ways:
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable sports news outlets for updates on Devers’ condition and team performance.
- Engage on Social Media: Show your support for the players and the team through social media interactions.
- Attend Games: Show up at Fenway Park to support the team, regardless of the situation. Your presence can boost team morale!
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Red Sox?
As the situation with Rafael Devers unfolds, the Boston Red Sox must remain resilient in the face of adversity. By exploring internal options, strategic trades, and focusing on pitching, they can still hold onto their postseason dreams. While Devers’ absence will be felt deeply, the heart of the Red Sox is their unwavering commitment to winning and supporting one another through challenging times.
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