Thursday Links

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

It didn’t take long for things to go wrong for the Red Sox on Wednesday. In his third start of the season, Rubby De La Rosa was touched up for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Adam Jones opened up the scoring for Baltimore with a one out RBI double, and Chris Davis followed with a two run blast to right field. De La Rosa eventually settled down after his rocky first inning, and wound up pitching into the 6th. The Red Sox offense, however, remained stagnant as Orioles pitching combined to limit the Boston to 4 hits — all singles — and no walks. After an hour and a half rain delay, things went from bad to worse for the Red Sox as Chris Capuano loaded the bases in the 8th inning and proceeded to walk in 2 runs. In the end, the Red Sox dropped the rubber match of the three game series by a final of 6-0.

• Given the way that Brandon Workman has pitched since joining the rotation, the Red Sox will certainly have a tough decision to make once Felix Doubront returns from the disabled list. Of course Doubront has the ability to pitch well in the MLB, but he’s remained inconsistent this season, while Workman has pitch 4 consecutive solid outings. (Decision looming: As Felix Doubront nears return, Brandon Workman creating Red Sox dilemma)

• In an effort to add depth to the center field spot, the Red Sox struck a minor league deal with 36 year old veteran outfielder, Andres Torres. While the move is far from the splashy kind most fans would have liked to see, Torres is decent outfield insurance. Currently the 2009 World Series champion is coming off heel surgery, and will join single A Lowell Spinners before rising to higher level play. (Red Sox sign Andres Torres to minor league deal)

• Since returning from the minor leagues in late May, Daniel Nava has looked more like his normal self at the plate. The 31 year old credits his re-found success to making mechanical adjustments, and subsequently feeling more comfortable in the batters box. (Mechanical adjustment has Daniel Nava confident again)

• It seems as though Tommy John surgery is John Lackey’s best friend and worst enemy. While the surgical procedure allowed Lackey to reclaim his career, it also activated an injury clause in his contract that lowers his 2015 salary to MLB minimum. Although the Red Sox have the option to keep Lackey true to his deal, out of respect and performance an extension seems realistic — even if it’s not in the cards right now. (Lackey: No talk yet of extension)

• The Red Sox season has gone from having high expectations, to trying to find a silver lining here or there. Perhaps the most notable silver lining has come in the Red Sox pen. While the offense has struggled and the starting pitching has faltered, the Red Sox relief core has combined to be statistically one of the leagues best. (Hey, at leas the bullpen has been alright)

• Tweet of the day: Someone has been hanging out with Dustin Pedroia…