Wednesday MLB: Boston Red Sox (55-38) at Texas Rangers (51-41)
It’s still only July, but you know Red Sox fans never want to see the Yankees pass Boston in the AL East standings. But that’s exactly what happened on Tuesday night as the Red Sox lost their fourth game in a row and second straight in Texas.
The Red Sox dropped out of first place in the AL East for the first time since June 9 and are just 1-4 against the Rangers this year. Boston has lost four straight for the first time since June 28-July 2 of last season when it dropped five straight. The Sox have scored only eight runs in those four losses and haven’t scored more than three runs in the five games with Texas this year.
The Red Sox are hitting just .194 in the first five games since the break.
“Not a lot to talk about,” whispered Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew, who is 0-for-18 since the All-Star break.
However, Boston has opened as a -122 money line favorite for tonight’s game in Arlington on WagerWeb.com.
Boston is turning to young pitcher Clay Buchholz (1-0, 1.59) tonight. Making his first start since Aug. 20, Buchholz allowed one run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings in Friday’s 4-1 win at Toronto. But the team’s top pitching prospect was sent back to Triple-A following that start.
However, Buchholz was recalled on Tuesday when the Red Sox had to put starter Tim Wakefield on the disabled list with a lower back strain. Buchholz threw six scoreless innings in an 8-3 victory over the Rangers in his only start against them on April 21, 2008.
Texas turns to Vicente Padilla (7-5, 4.67) tonight. Last time out, he allowed five runs and a season-high 11 hits to the Twins. He is 2-3 with a 4.89 ERA in six starts against Boston.
Rangers All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz was out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game with a fractured right ring finger Tuesday but took some swings before the game and could be back in the lineup tonight. He has 23 homers and 54 RBIs this season.
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