Tuesday Links

Rubby De La Rosa could give the Sox’ bullpen the boost it needs in the second half. Photo by Kelly O’Connor, sittingstill.net.

Runs were hard to come by in the Red Sox and Twins series opener on Monday night. While the pitching match-up of Rubby De La Rosa and Kevin Correia doesn’t sound like your prototypical pitchers duel, both starters battled like a couple of aces. In his third start of the season, De La Rosa tossed 7 shutout innings and allowed just one hit and 3 walks. For the Twins, Correia allowed a 5th inning run on an A.J. Pierzynski sac fly but was otherwise unblemished over 6 innings of 5 hit work. In the 9th, Koji Uehara retired the middle of the Twins order and secured a 1-0 Red Sox win.

• Up until Brandon Workman and Rubby De La Rosa joined the Red Sox rotation, the team’s middle and back end starters were mediocre at best. However, with both rookies now in the fold, Boston has seen an increase in consistent starts, while also getting a glimpse into the future. (Depth charge: The importance of Rubby De La Rosa (and friends))

• The Red Sox 8-16 record in one-run games this season really helps to explain the current state of the team. Statistically the offense has been able to get runners on-base at a respectable level, but driving those runners in has been an issue for the Red Sox. With more rotation stability and a reliable bullpen the Red Sox need their offense to start clicking. (Red Sox lead American League in one-run losses)

• The way that Grady Sizemore has battled back and resurrected his MLB career is certainly an admirable accomplishment. But with Shane Victorino inching closer to a return and the emergence of Brock Holt in the outfield, Sizemore’s time in Boston could be drawing to an end. (Victorino’s return could be bad news for Sizemore)

• Ben Cherington’s least recognized move of the 2014 offseason has been perhaps his most successful. Currently on a 15 inning scoreless streak, Burke Badenhop has been an extremely reliable for the Red Sox in helping bridge the gap from starting pitcher to Koji Uehara. (Burke Badenhop proving invaluable for Red Sox in late-inning relief)

• The Red Sox and first round selection Michael Chavis agreed to terms on Monday. The infielder was originally committed to play baseball at the University of Clemson, but elected to join the MLB after Boston took him with the 26th overall selection. (Red Sox reach agreement with first-round pick Michael Chavis)

• Tweet of the day: Badenhop is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players.