Wednesday Links

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

The Red Sox and Yankees kicked off their second series of the 2014 season on Tuesday. With Jon Lester and Masahiro Tanaka on the mound, game 1 had the makings of a pitchers duel, but fell short of its expectations. Lester endured his first poor start of the 2014 season, tossing just 4.2 innings and allowing 8 runs (3 earned) on 11 hits. Tanaka, on the other hand stymied the Red Sox order through 7.1 innings, allowing just two runs via the home run. In his first game back at Fenway, Jacoby Ellsbury provided New York with a triple and a double, collecting 2 RBI, and helping the Yankees secure a 9-2 win.

• Although 4 starts is a rather small sample size, it’s enough to tell that Clay Buchholz hasn’t looked himself this season. While the right-hander insists that his problems aren’t due to injury but arm strength, the scuffling Red Sox can ill-afford to have a starter pitch poorly. (Waiting for Buchholz: Making sense of a pitchers diminished stuff)

• Currently, the Red Sox hold a 9-12 record and have lost 6 of their last 10 games. But before you start to look at the standings, remember that it’s only April, meaning the Red Sox first priority should be to climb back to .500. (The Re Sox’ familiar, frustrating dance around .500)

• With Shane Victorino set to return from the DL, the Red Sox will need to make a roster move. While no Boston outfielder is over preforming another, Daniel Nava’s slow start and one remaining minor league option makes him a likely candidate for demotion. (Nava at risk, but entire outfield struggling)

• All signs pointed to the Red Sox activating Shane Victorino from the disabled list on Wednesday, but a taxed bullpen has Boston pumping their breaks. Since the 14 inning game in Chicago, Red Sox starters haven’t pitched adequately enough to give the pen a breather, which makes it likely that Boston will recall a reliever from AAA. (Red Sox likely to call up pitcher on Wednesday)

• Koji Uehara and Masahiro Tanaka have more in common than just their Japanese roots, both pitchers also feature devastating splitters. But while both garner great results from the pitch, who’s splitter is better? (Masahiro Tanaka vs Koji Uehara: Who has the better splitter?)

• Whether you still like him or not, there’s no denying that Jacoby Ellsbury was one of the most dynamic Red Sox to ever grace Fenway Park. Now in pinstripes, the center fielder will get booed by Red Sox fans, but it’s important to remember his contributions to 2 of Boston’s 3 World Series in the past 10 seasons. (Ellsbury returns to Boston a person few really know)

• Tweet of the day: Bizarro world