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VERDU- GO! – Red Sox Trade Outfielder to Evil Empire

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NASHVILLE – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The New York Yankees added an outfielder from their fiercest rival on Tuesday, acquiring Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for three right-handed pitchers as the MLB Winter Meetings are underway.

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Boston got Greg Weissert and minor-leaguers Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice in the swap.

Verdugo, 27, is arguably better known for how he got to Boston rather than anything he has accomplished on the field. He, catcher Connor Wong and infielder Jeter Downs were acquired in the February 2020 deal that sent superstar Mookie Betts and left-hander David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In four years with the Red Sox, Verdugo hit a composite .281 with a .338 on-base percentage, a .424 slugging percentage, 43 homers and 206 RBIs. He played 142 games in 2023, batting .264/.324/.421 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs.

Counting the three seasons he spent with the Dodgers, Verdugo has a career .281/.337/.428 batting line with 57 home runs and 255 RBIs in 651 games.

Primarily a corner outfielder, Verdugo also has seen time in center field. He could be a free agent following the upcoming season.

Weissert, 28, made 17 relief appearances for the Yankees this year, netting no decisions and a 4.05 ERA. He broke into the majors with 12 games out of the New York bullpen in 2022, when he finished 3-0 with a 5.56 ERA.

Fitts, 23, spent the 2023 season in Double-A, where he went 11-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 27 starts. He was a sixth-round draft pick in 2021 out of Auburn.

Judice, 22, has yet to make his pro debut after New York selected him in the eighth round of the 2023 draft out of UL-Monroe.

The Red Sox and Yankees have come together for just eight trades since 1969, according to MLB.com.

–Field Level Media

Sox Trade Luis Urias

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BOSTON – (Staff Report from Official News Release) – The Boston Red Sox today announced the following roster moves:

  • Acquired right-handed pitcher Isaiah Campbell from the Seattle Mariners, in exchange for infielder Luis Urías.
  • The club will not tender a 2024 contract to right-handed pitcher Wyatt Mills. As a result, Mills will become a free agent.
  • Boston will tender 2024 contracts to all 29 remaining unsigned players on their Major League roster. Eight players are already under contract for 2024: Rafael Devers, Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Rob Refsnyder, Chris Sale, Trevor Story, Garrett Whitlock, and Masataka Yoshida.
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The Red Sox’ 40-man roster is now at 37.

Campbell, 26, went 4-1 with one save, a 2.83 ERA (9 ER/28.2 IP), a .210 opponent batting average, and 33 strikeouts in 27 games for the Mariners during 2023, his Major League debut. The right-hander was one of eight rookies last season to make at least 25 appearances and post an ERA below 3.00. He owns a 2.01 ERA (20 ER/89.2 IP) in 61 career minor league games (four starts), including a 2.63 ERA (8 ER/24.0 IP) in 23 games for Double-A Arkansas in 2023. The Portugal native was selected by Seattle in Competitive Balance Round B of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in criminal justice.

Urías, 26, was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on August 1, 2023 and played in 32 games for the Red Sox, batting .225 (20-for-89) with 13 runs scored, four doubles, two home runs, and 13 RBI. The right-handed hitter played in 52 Major League games overall during 2023, appearing in 39 at second base and 19 at third base. Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the San Diego Padres on December 27, 2013, the Mexico native has batted .234 (331-for-1,412) with 192 runs scored, 48 home runs, and 180 RBI in 445 games with San Diego (2018-19), Milwaukee (2020-23), and Boston (2023).

Red Sox: Breslow is the One

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BOSTON – (Staff Report from Official New Release) – The Boston Red Sox named Craig Breslow as the club’s Chief Baseball Officer. In this role, he will be responsible for all of the team’s baseball operations.

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A 2013 World Series champion with Boston, Breslow becomes only the fourth former Red Sox player to lead the club’s baseball operations efforts, the first since Haywood Sullivan served as General Manager from 1978-83.

“Each year, one baseball club emerges with a championship,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. “Our organization continues to have significantly high standards and expectations with a goal of being able to compete annually for that coveted privilege. After the 2018 World Series, we sought to build a future that would avoid the ups and downs normally associated with winning. That plainly hasn’t happened. Despite the results, over the past few years, substantial efforts have been made and considerable organizational progress has occurred behind the scenes, but not at the major league level. We feel strongly that Craig is the right person at the right time to lead our baseball department. Craig’s understanding of the game is remarkable. What convinced us to bring him aboard in this capacity was his highly strategic philosophy and his grasp of what it takes operationally in today’s evolving game to excel at the highest level in player acquisition, development, and execution at the major league level. We are excited to welcome him back.”

“We met a number of extremely qualified candidates and Craig’s vision for how to bring another World Series Championship to Boston was extremely thoughtful, compelling, and inspiring,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “He not only has deep experience as a front office executive, but he’s also a former player who knows the market extremely well. And while his baseball expertise remains the dominant factor, his genuine aspiration to create a better world sets him apart as an extraordinary leader. I’m eager to welcome him to the Red Sox and look forward to the impact he will have on our operation.”

“Craig was a standout candidate,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “The praise from fellow baseball executives was impressive, but what truly distinguished him were the resounding character references from former teammates, including David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, David Ross, Brock Holt, and Kevin Youkilis. Craig knows what it takes to be successful in Boston and he’s up for the challenge.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Boston Red Sox, an organization that means so much to my family and to me,” said Breslow. “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead baseball operations and to work alongside so many talented people. I’d like to thank John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, and Sam Kennedy for entrusting me with executing the vision we share for this organization. I know firsthand how special winning in Boston is, and I look forward to once again experiencing that passion and success with our fans.”

“I’d also like to thank Tom Ricketts, Crane Kenney, Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins, and the Chicago Cubs for giving me my first opportunity in a Major League front office,” added Breslow.

Breslow, 43, spent the past five seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization, most recently as Assistant General Manager/Senior Vice President, Pitching in 2023. His front office career began in 2019 with the Cubs as Director of Strategic Initiatives, evaluating and implementing data-based processes throughout all facets of Baseball Operations while also supporting the pitching infrastructure in the farm system. In 2020 he was named Director of Pitching/Special Assistant to the President and General Manager, then spent the 2021-22 seasons as Assistant General Manager/Vice President, Pitching.

Selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 26th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Breslow pitched 12 Major League seasons and recorded a 3.45 ERA over 576 appearances for San Diego (2005), Boston (2006, ’12-15), Cleveland (2008, ’17), Minnesota (2008-09, ’17), Oakland (2009-11), Arizona (2012), and Miami (2016). He appeared in 202 games for the Red Sox, notably posting a 1.81 ERA in 61 outings in the 2013 regular season to help Boston capture the American League East title en route to a World Series championship. Breslow allowed zero earned runs in nine of his 10 Postseason outings in 2013, earning the win in Boston’s ALDS-clinching victory over the Rays before securing a hold in the club’s ALCS-clinching win over the Tigers.

Breslow graduated in 2002 from Yale University with a degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. He was named the “Smartest Man in Baseball” by The Wall Street Journal in 2009, and in 2010 he ranked No. 1 on The Sporting News list of Top 20 Smartest Athletes.

In 2008, Breslow founded the Strike 3 Foundation, which aims to heighten awareness, mobilize support, and raise funding for childhood cancer research. In 2013, he earned the Red Sox’ Tim Wakefield Community Service Award and was named the BoSox Club’s “Man of the Year.” Breslow was nominated for Major League Baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award three times, including in 2010 with the Oakland A’s and in 2013 and 2014 with the Red Sox.

Born in New Haven, CT, Breslow resides in Newton, MA, with his wife, Kelly; daughter, Livia; and twin boys, Mason and Carter.

OVER THE YEARS AT FENWAY

RED SOX BASEBALL OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP

1933-47: Eddie Collins*

1948-58: Joe Cronin*^

1959-60: Bucky Harris*

1961-62: Dick O’Connell (1)

1963-65: Mike Higgins^ (2)

1965-77: Dick O’Connell* (3)

1978-83: Haywood Sullivan*^

1984-93: Lou Gorman*

1994-2002: Dan Duquette*

2002: Mike Port* (4)

2002-05: Theo Epstein*

2005-06: Ben Cherington/Jed Hoyer* (5)

2006-11: Theo Epstein*

2011-15: Ben Cherington*

2015-19: Dave Dombrowski (6)

2019-23: Chaim Bloom (7)

2023-present: Craig Breslow^ (8)

 

^Played for the Red Sox

 

*Held title of General Manager

 

(1) The General Manager position was eliminated for the 1961-62 seasons; Executive Vice President of Business and Baseball Operations Dick O’Connell assumed the role.

 

(2) Mike Higgins was Executive Vice President in charge of baseball operations while Dick O’Connell maintained oversight of business operations.

 

(3) Dick O’Connell was named General Manager on September 16, 1965 when Mike Higgins resigned.

 

(4) Mike Port was named interim General Manager on February 28, 2002.

 

(5) Theo Epstein left the Red Sox from October 21, 2005-January 19, 2006. Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer were named co-General Managers on December 12, 2005 and served in that capacity until Epstein’s return.

 

(6) Dave Dombrowski was hired as President of Baseball Operations on August 18, 2015.

 

(7) Chaim Bloom was hired as Chief Baseball Officer on October 28, 2019.

 

(8) Craig Breslow was hired as Chief Baseball Officer on October 25, 2023.

Orioles Keep Eye on Playoffs

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As Red Sox and Orioles Close Out the Regular Season, Orioles Look Ahead and the Red Sox Look to Rebuild

BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Orioles have had a win mentality all season. They don’t want to back off during the last weekend of the regular season.

The Baltimore Orioles have had a win mentality all season. They don’t want to back off during the last weekend of the regular season.

“I still want to play well,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “I want to play to win.”

The Orioles and visiting Boston Red Sox will meet in the third game of their four-game series on Saturday night.

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The Orioles (100-60) had won five in a row before losing 3-0 on Friday, a night after they clinched the American League East title with a 2-0 victory over the Red Sox.

“It was a big night for us (Thursday) night, and we just didn’t play our best baseball (on Friday), and those things happen,” Hyde said. “Hopefully, we’ll rebound and play a better game.”

Boston (77-83) ended a five-game skid on Friday.

“There’s a lot of good things that are happening in that clubhouse,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “They’re still playing hard.”

Boston’s offense still has holes. The Red Sox ended a 23-inning scoreless streak when Trevor Story hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning on Friday, but it still was far from an offensive outburst.

The Red Sox aren’t done learning about their personnel, even with just two games left in the season. That’s what was among the takeaways from seeing Nick Pivetta throw seven shutout innings and strike out 10 on Friday.

“It has been fun to watch,” Cora said. “He’s going to work hard in the offseason to keep getting better. He should be one of the guys next year when we talk about it.”

The Orioles have more pressing matters. Though they will have nearly a week off before opening the playoffs at home on Oct. 7, they want to start formalizing a plan, and that could dictate some moves this weekend.

“Nothing’s set in stone right now,” Hyde said. “We’re seeing who we’re playing (in the first postseason series), and we have some time.”

Hyde gave right fielder Anthony Santander the night off Friday, putting Heston Kjerstad in the lineup for his first start in the outfield.

“You’re going to see him play probably two, if not all three, of these games and give him the at-bats,” Hyde said. “I want to give him four or five at-bats a night if I can and see what he’s like against big-league pitching.”

Right-hander Kyle Gibson (15-9, 4.86 ERA), who already has a career-high win total, will be the Orioles’ starting pitcher on Saturday. Baltimore has won three of four September games pitched by Gibson, who is 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA in those contests. He faced the Red Sox in the season opener on March 30 and earned a win despite giving up four runs in five-plus innings.

Gibson will make his career-high 33rd start. He is 4-4 with a 3.72 ERA in nine career starts against Boston.

The Red Sox are set to give the ball to right-hander Kutter Crawford (6-8, 4.23), who has gone six consecutive outings without a victory. Boston went 1-5 in those games, while Crawford was 0-2 with a 6.26 ERA. Most recently, he yielded three runs in 5 1/3 innings during a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Crawford surrendered 11 runs across 3 2/3 innings covering two appearances (one start) last year in his only career matchups with the Orioles.

Baltimore is 6-5 in September home games, dropping their season mark at Camden Yards to 48-31. The Orioles will have home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs.

–Field Level Media

Rays Hobble Into Fenway for Pair

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Tampa Bay Rays’ chances of an American League East championship are fading as their injury list grows ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Boston, the first of a two-game series against the division rival Red Sox.

With a wild-card spot already in hand, Tampa Bay (95-62) sits 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles in the East with a week of the regular season to play, but three more players were sidelined for at least part of this past weekend’s series at Toronto.

The Rays lost 9-5 in Sunday’s deciding game of the series – and lost All-Star first baseman Yandy Diaz due to right hamstring tightness in the second inning.

“It’s going to be very difficult (down the stretch),” infielder Isaac Paredes said through a translator. “We’ve lost a lot of key players and position players as well. I think we need to just make sure these young guys are going to do a good job of making up for it.”

Paredes hit his 30th home run of the season during the Sunday loss.

Outfielder Randy Arozarena (right quad tightness) and setup man Robert Stephenson (neck soreness) missed the entire weekend. And that was after center fielder Jose Siri and second baseman Brandon Lowe were among four additions to the injured list in a 12-day span.

“The expectation this year was to win at a high clip and put ourselves in position to get to the postseason,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “(But) if you would have told me in spring training that all of this stuff would have happened – the injuries and everything else – I probably would have been scratching my head a little bit.”

With Aaron Civale “under the weather,” according to Cash, the Tuesday pitching nod goes to fellow right-hander Zach Eflin (15-8, 3.44).

The 29-year-old Eflin struck out double-digit batters in two of his past six starts, including his Thursday outing against the Los Angeles Angels when he fanned 10 across five innings of two-run ball but did not factor into the decision. His two starts prior were victories.

Eflin has made three starts against Boston in his career, logging a 6.43 ERA and 21 strikeouts over 14 innings.

After consecutive one-run losses and not scoring more than three runs in all three weekend games against the Chicago White Sox, Boston (76-80) will counter with Tanner Houck (5-9, 4.92) in its penultimate home game of the season.

The 27-year-old righty allowed two runs in four innings Tuesday at Texas, breaking up a streak of three straight five-inning starts that included six shutout frames against the New York Yankees five days earlier.

Houck, Kutter Crawford and Garrett Whitlock are all essentially auditioning for a spot in the starting rotation to begin next season. Crawford struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings in Sunday’s rain-shortened loss.

“I think it applies to all (three),” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I mean, you can always adjust to the other role. Right now, we don’t know (who will be starters in 2024). … And then at one point, somebody’s going to take over, and if we have to make adjustments, we will.”

Houck is 0-2 with a 6.30 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay.

The Red Sox have also seen contributions from youngsters in the lineup in September, including the talented, versatile Ceddanne Rafaela and fellow rookie Wilyer Abreu, who hit his second career homer Sunday.

–Field Level Media

White Sox Take Washed Out Finale

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Starting pitcher Mike Clevinger allowed two runs in six innings to help the visiting Chicago White Sox defeat the Boston Red Sox 3-2 Sunday in a game that ended after six innings because of rain.

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Clevinger (9-8) gave up five hits and didn’t walk or strike out a batter.

The White Sox (60-96) won two games in the three-game series. It was their first series victory since they took two out of three against the New York Yankees on Aug. 7-9.

The loss dropped the Red Sox (76-80) to 39-40 at home.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (6-8) took the loss. He allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Crawford struck out seven and walked three.

Wilyer Abreu (No. 2) and Adam Duvall (No. 21) homered for the Red Sox. Abreu was in the starting lineup for the first time in a week after dealing with hand soreness. He hurt his left hand when he slammed into the outfield wall during last Sunday’s game in Toronto.

Abreu’s home run handed the Red Sox a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but Chicago led 2-1 after scoring twice in the fifth. Gavin Sheets and Korey Lee each walked, then scored on an Elvis Andrus two-out double.

The White Sox stretched their advantage to 3-1 in the sixth, when Eloy Jimenez doubled, moved to third on an Andrew Vaughn single and scored on Gavin Sheets’ sacrifice fly.

Duvall’s home run trimmed Chicago’s lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth. The game entered a rain delay in the top of the seventh and was then ruled official because the forecast called for continued rain.

 

Sale, Sox Won’t “Cash It In”

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BOSTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Teams trending in all the wrong directions will meet tonight when the visiting Chicago White Sox open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox (75-78) have lost six of their last seven games and 12 of their last 15. They’re in last place in the American League East and three games below .500 for the first time since the second week of the season.

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The White Sox (58-95) have lost nine of their last 12 games and are 37 games below the .500 mark for the first time since 2018.

Both teams are coming off lopsided losses Wednesday. Boston allowed a season-high run total in a 15-5 setback against Texas, while Washington beat Chicago 13-3.

Boston’s Brayan Bello allowed eight runs in three innings during Wednesday’s loss. It was the most runs a Red Sox starting pitcher has given up in a game this season.

“Not a good one,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “They put some good swings on pitches in the zone, the command was off, and it’s one of those that we have to turn the page and be ready for the next one.

“That’s a team that, similar to Toronto, Houston, the Dodgers, it’s a fast-break offense, and when they get going it’s hard to stop. And we weren’t able to do that (Wednesday).”

Boston committed its 100th error of the season Wednesday when Rafael Devers made a fielding miscue in the fifth inning. Red Sox second baseman Luis Urias left the game with calf tightness after beating out an infield single in the seventh inning.

The White Sox surrendered 14 hits in Wednesday’s loss, which dropped the team’s road record to 28-50. The Nationals scored in six of the eight innings they came to the plate.

“We didn’t pitch very well, and we didn’t hit,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “Nine free passes (seven walks and two hit batters), a couple errors. There’s not much to really talk about in this game.”

Left-hander Chris Sale (6-4, 4.66 ERA) is scheduled to start on the mound for Boston on Friday against his former club. Righthander Touki Toussaint (4-7, 5.40) is Chicago’s probable starter.

Toussaint is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in his career against the Red Sox. His only start against Boston came in 2018 when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves.

Toussaint struck out eight in five innings during Saturday’s 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Sale spent six seasons with the White Sox before he was traded to the Red Sox in 2016 for Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz. He’s 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against his former team. He recorded 39 strikeouts in 25 innings during those four starts.

Sale had a no-decision in his last start, that ended in the Red Sox’s 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. He allowed a run on two hits and walked two in six-plus innings, with 10 strikeouts. Sale has given up two runs or fewer in seven of his last 11 starts.

“Obviously, we’re in a tough situation,” Sale said. “At least we can go out there and play for pride, and I’m not going to give up. We’re not going to cash it in.”

–Field Level Media

Texas Rangers Crush Slumping Sox, 15-4

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ARLINGTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Texas Rangers responded to an early four-run deficit with 15 unanswered runs on Wednesday, crushing the visiting Boston Red Sox 15-5.

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Boston (75-78) received a three-run homer from Adam Duvall and a solo shot from Bobby Dalbec to take a 4-0 lead into the home half of the second inning. That’s when the Rangers’ offense came to life, however.

Jonah Heim headlined the six-run frame with a three-run blast of his own, with Mitch Garver clubbing a solo home run and Marcus Semien ripping a two-run single. Texas (84-68) scored at least two runs in each of the next four frames to turn a modest two-run edge into a 15-4 advantage.

Josh Jung and Evan Carter also went deep during the rout as the Rangers remained tied with the Seattle Mariners (84-68) a half-game behind the Houston Astros (85-68) in the American League West. Houston beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 Wednesday afternoon.

Jung and Carter each finished with three hits, while Semien and Leody Taveras added two apiece.

Despite the offensive showcase, Texas starter Jon Gray couldn’t pick up a win after logging just 2 1/3 innings. He allowed four runs on four hits with one walk and one strikeout.

Martin Perez (10-4) took over for Gray and kept his former team at bay, limiting the Red Sox to just three hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Boston starter Brayan Bello (12-10) was tagged for eight runs on eight hits in three innings to take the loss.

In losing for the 12th time in their last 15 games, the Red Sox left six men on base and grounded into two double plays. Duvall and Dalbec both finished with a pair of hits.

After the Rangers’ ferocious second, Taveras had an RBI single and Semien walked with the bases loaded in the third to make it 8-4. Adolis Garcia chipped in with a run-scoring double as part of a two-run fourth, and Jung contributed a two-run shot in a three-run fifth.

The onslaught ended in the sixth with Carter’s two-run homer.

Boston’s Ceddanne Rafaela had an RBI single in the ninth to cap the scoring.

–Field Level Media

Division Lead on the Line for Rangers

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ARLINGTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Texas Rangers will attempt to make it back-to-back victories over the Boston Red Sox when the teams wrap up a three-game series this afternoon.

After Boston opened the series with a 4-2 victory on Monday, Texas ended a four-game losing streak by winning 6-4 on Tuesday. The win moved the Rangers (83-68) within one-half game of the first-place Houston Astros (84-68) in the American League West. The Seattle Mariners are also 83-68.

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“Great win,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “Great team win, character win … all those things. A lot of good things the guys did, pitchers, position players, big hits. … Much-needed win as we all know.”

Rookie Josh Jung broke a 4-4 tie when his seventh-inning single drove in Marcus Semien. It was Jung’s second game since returning from a six-week stint on the injured list caused by a fractured left thumb.

“So glad to be back,” Jung said. “I don’t like sitting there not being able to contribute in any way I can. …

“We’re in the dog days. It’s going to be a fight every night.”

The Red Sox (75-77) lost for the fifth time in six games as their pitchers walked eight batters on Tuesday.

“At this level (you) can’t do that,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Those guys are gonna keep coming and coming. (Corey) Seager, Semien, all those guys. The line keeps moving, they’re going to get more at-bats and that’s what happens.

“You keep pushing. We still have a chance (at the postseason), a very slight chance. You do everything possible to win the game. The organization deserves that, the players do, too, and obviously the fan base. We’re going to do our best to win ballgames. As many as possible.”

Right-hander Brayan Bello (12-9, 3.71 ERA) is scheduled to make the start for Boston on Wednesday. Bello recorded a career-high 10 strikeouts in his latest start, a 3-0 loss at Toronto on Friday night. He pitched six innings and limited the Blue Jays to four hits, but one of those hits was a three-run home run by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bello has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his past six starts, and has a 4-2 record during that span.

“Throughout the season he’s been our most consistent starter,” Cora said. “Not too many people are talking about him throughout the league, but when you look up the innings and the (wins) and the ERA and all that stuff, it has been a solid season for him. He’s gonna keep getting better.”

Bello is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two career starts against Texas. He limited the Rangers to two runs on eight hits in seven innings during a 4-2 home win on July 5.

Right-hander Jon Gray (8-8, 4.05 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for Texas. Gray was the losing pitcher on Friday as Texas fell 12-3 to the Cleveland Guardians. He gave up three runs on seven hits and walked two in 3 2/3 innings.

Gray has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his past five starts and in seven of his past nine. He has a 5.72 ERA during that stretch.

In two career starts against Boston, Gray has a 1-1 record with a 3.38 ERA. He lost to Bello on July 5 after yielding four runs, three earned, on nine hits in six innings.

–Field Level Media

Red Sox to Face Rangers’ Eovaldi

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ARLINGTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Boston Red Sox will face an old friend as their three-game series against the Texas Rangers continues tonight.

A free agent last winter, Texas right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (11-4, 2.96 ERA) is set to take on the Red Sox for the second time this season. He spent the previous 4 1/2 years with Boston, earning three straight Opening Day starts and winning a World Series ring in 2018.

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The 33-year-old’s July 6 return to Boston — in which he allowed four runs on five hits across 5 1/3 innings — was his second-to-last start before a seven-week absence caused by a right forearm strain.

“The moment I went (to Boston), it’s like everything changed, the focus changed,” Eovaldi said. “We knew we had the team and talent (to win). I see a lot of what we’re trying to do (in Texas), and it reminds me of that team.”

Eovaldi pitched 3 1/3 innings of two-run ball on Thursday as the Rangers completed a four-game sweep in Toronto. It was his third start since returning from the injury.

The Rangers (82-68) went on to Cleveland and got outscored 23-6 while getting swept in a three-game set over the weekend. After taking a 4-2, series-opening loss to Boston, Texas and the Seattle Mariners (82-68) are tied for second in the American League West, 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros (84-67). The Rangers and Mariners share the third and final AL wild-card spot.

Also a former New York Yankee, Eovaldi is 3-0 with a 4.78 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Red Sox.

While Eovaldi returned earlier this month, the Rangers’ struggling lineup received a boost when third baseman Josh Jung (left thumb fracture) and right fielder Adolis Garcia (right patellar tendon strain) were activated on Monday.

“(Jung) is a big part of what was missing with us,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “I don’t want him to think like (he has to carry the team) because he’s missed a lot of time. We didn’t put him on rehab, so obviously there is some sense of urgency with how many games we have left.”

Jung’s ninth-inning single was one of the team’s five hits on Monday.

Red Sox starters have struggled to provide length in the later stages of the season, but Tanner Houck (5-9, 4.94 ERA) will look to do just that for a second straight start on Tuesday.

After allowing a total of nine runs over his previous two starts, Houck completed six shutout innings in the opener of a Thursday doubleheader against the Yankees. He struck out seven and allowed just four hits and three walk, finishing the final frame after a mound visit from manager Alex Cora with two on and one out.

“I wanted to be out there and have been working day in, day out trying to get better, trying to push myself to be able to get through the sixth inning,” Houck said.

Houck is 2-1 in his past three starts after going 0-8 in his previous 11.

An even more encouraging sign for the Red Sox (75-76) was coming through with runners in scoring position after entering Monday’s game hitting .190 this month in those situations.

Rob Refsnyder’s two-run single in the eighth inning erased a 2-1 deficit, preceding an Adam Duvall sacrifice fly. Luis Urias had a game-tying hit in the fifth.

“It was a good one,” Cora said after his club snapped a four-game losing streak. “We’re gonna keep playing. We’re not going to quit, you know? We have to win as many games as possible the rest of the way, and (Monday) was a good night.”

Boston first baseman Bobby Dalbec contributed his first multi-hit game since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

–Field Level Media