Wednesday Links: Another step closer to 2015

Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor

Of all the days to record your first clunker in the Major Leagues, Anthony Ranaudo picked his 25th birthday. After allowing at least 4 runs in 5 innings in his previous 5 starts, the right-hander lasted just 3.1 innings before being lifted from Tuesday’s game. After walking the first batter of the game, Ranaudo served up a two-run home run to Alejandro De Aza, and put Boston in an early two run deficit. De Aza, however, was not done terrorizing the rookie right-hander, as he blasted another home run off Ranaudo in the third inning. Just two pitches later, Adam Jones pushed Baltimore’s lead to 4 with a solo shot over the green monster. Boston’s only offense came in the form of Xander Bogaerts’ tenth home run of the season, and his second since the start of September. While he did allow six hits in 5 innings, Orioles starter Chris Tillman kept the Red Sox offense in check for the most part. After Tillman departed the game in the sixth inning, Baltimore bullpen allowed just one hit in four innings of work. With Boston down by 3 runs, newly promoted Red Sox prospect Matt Barnes made his major league debut, and tossed 3 shutout frames, collecting two strike outs along the way. Home runs and missed opportunities on the base paths was the name of the game for the Red Sox on Tuesday, as they dropped their bout with the Orioles by a final of 4-1.

• Dustin Pedroia has never been one to let injuries stop him from playing his hardest, but that mentality could have ultimately been his undoing. Prior to Tuesday’s game, the John Farrell made it known to the media that Pedroia has been playing with an injured left hand/wrist. Pedroia acknowledged that he has been dealing with the injury for most of the season, which may explain his dip in power. While shutting down the 30-year old would be the equivalent of caging a wild animal, it might be best for the second baseman going forward. (Dustin Pedroia (hand) could be shut down)

• After brief stops in single-A and double-A, Rusney Castillo continued his natural progression towards the MLB by debuting for the triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox on Tuesday. The Cuban phenom played all nine innings for the Paw Sox, and helped them earn a 3-2 victory over the Durham Bulls. Castillo collected one hit in four at-bats on the night, and was also thrown out at second on a stolen base attempt. (Castillo feels comfortable in PawSox debut)

• The remainder of the 2014 Red Sox season is exclusively about auditioning for next seasons club. So far we’ve seen Rubby De La Rosa and Joe Kelly show their worth, while pitchers like Brandon Workman and Allen Webster have struggled in their time in the rotation. On Tuesday, Matt Barnes threw his hat into the ring for next season by tossing 3 shutout frames in his first major league appearance. (Why you should have cared about Tuesday’s game: Matt Barnes makes his mark)

• While Red Sox 2014 first round draft pick Michael Chavis won’t be in a Red Sox uniform for at least a few more years, he got an early dose of big league life on Tuesday. During the 19-year old’s visit to the Red Sox clubhouse, he got to pick the brain of his potential future double play partner, Dustin Pedroia. Currently a second baseman himself, Chavis projects to be either a shortstop or a third baseman, with an above average bat at the major league level. (Dustin Pedroia gives warm welcome to Red Sox’s first-round pick Michael Chavis)

• As it is in other sports, baseball rivalries are typically things that need to grow organically between two direct competitors, not manufactured by an organization. However, the MLB seems to want to forge a rivalry between the Red Sox and Phillies, instead of taking advantage of what some consider already consider a significant match-ups. (Stop trying to make Red Sox-Phillies a thing)

• Tweet of the day: Hard to imagine that a World freakin’ Series is sandwiched two seasons of awful baseball.