Monday Links

Photo by Kelly O’Connor of sittingstill.smugmug.com

It was certainly a rough weekend in Red Sox Nation. Boston began their first home stand of the 2014 season with an inter-league series against the Milwaukee Brewers. But after collecting their 2013 World Series rings on Friday, it was all down hill from there. The Red Sox starting pitching, offense, and bullpen took their lumps as Boston was swept and fell to 2 and 4 on the season.

• Believe it or not, the Red Sox getting swept wasn’t the only bad part of the weekend. Boston placed Will Middlebrooks on the 15-day disabled list with a grade 1 calf strain. In a corresponding move, the team recalled Brock Holt. (Red Sox place Will Middlebrooks of 15-day DL with calf strain)

• Edward Mujica endured a rough Fenway debut on Friday; blowing a 2-2 tie by allowing 3 runs to score en route to a 6-2 loss. But while Mujica’s early season preformance should be taken lightly, his overall importance to the Red Sox bullpen shouldn’t be. (The importance of Edward Mujica)

• Undoubtedly, the Red Sox biggest problem over the weekend was hitting with runners in scoring position. Boston’s offense was collecting hits, just not when they mattered most. But if history serves as a guide, the Red Sox offense will eventually even out. (Sox’s woes with RISP not worth fretting over)

• John Farrell made his first challenge of the season on Sunday. After a bang-bang play a first base the Red Sox manager protested, and eventually lost Boston’s inaugural challenge. (Farrell unsuccessful in first replay challenge)

• Of the multitude of problems that the Red Sox encountered over the weekend, defense was a habitual wrench in Boston’s gears. The team committed 5 errors over the series, highlighted by 2 blunders in Sunday’s contest. (Sox defense has been off the mark)

• Red Sox top pitching prospect Henry Owens opened the Portland Sea Dogs season with a bang. The slim lefty tossed a rain-shortened no-hitter for the Red Sox AA affiliate, striking out 9 and walking just 2. (Red Sox prospect Henry Owens tosses six inning no hitter)

• Tweet of the weekend: Wily Peralta stole the show at the ring ceremony.