The Boston Red Sox have an important series ahead beginning on Monday vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Boston Red Sox are searching for answers after a rough weekend that saw them drop all three games of their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Boston has now gone 3-7 over its last 10 games, capped by an 8-3 loss to Pittsburgh in Sunday’s series finale. The Red Sox will look to end their skid Monday night when they open a three-game road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Although Boston remains in a favorable position in the American League Wild Card race, this series carries plenty of weight. The Red Sox currently sit three games behind the New York Yankees for a Wild Card position, with a crucial four-game series against New York scheduled to begin Aug. 28. Until then, Boston needs to stay within striking distance and avoid falling further behind in the standings.
The Diamondbacks will provide a difficult test of their own. Arizona is currently just one game outside a National League Wild Card spot, making this an important matchup for both clubs.
Boston is expected to use Alec Gamboa as its opener Monday night before handing the ball to Brayan Bello, who is set to return to the Red Sox rotation.
Monday — Alec Gamboa
Gamboa, a 29-year-old rookie, has made nine MLB appearances for Boston this season and has provided the Red Sox with a pleasant surprise. Through 17 innings, he owns an impressive 1.59 ERA along with a 12-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Once Gamboa handles the opening duties Monday night, the Red Sox are expected to hand the ball to Bello in a bulk-inning role. Bello has emerged as an effective weapon out of the bullpen this season and has already shown he can thrive when working behind an opener.
Arizona is expected to counter with left-hander Mitch Bratt as the Diamondbacks look to keep Boston’s recent struggles going.
Tuesday — Ranger Suárez
Suárez appeared to regain his form in his most recent start on Aug. 12 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He worked five innings and surrendered just one run, marking his first outing of at least five innings since June 29. His recent workload had been limited in part because of an injury that caused him to miss time.
Arizona is expected to counter with right-hander Merrill Kelly.
Wednesday — Payton Tolle
The rookie has been on an exceptional stretch lately. On Aug. 7, Tolle delivered six strong innings against the Athletics, giving up just one run while recording an eye-popping 14 strikeouts.
He followed that performance with another dominant outing on Aug. 13 against the Blue Jays, throwing eight scoreless innings. Tolle has clearly found a rhythm at the right time and will look to keep his momentum going.
For Arizona, right-hander Brandon Pfaadt is expected to take the mound in the series finale.
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