The Red Sox’s rookie right-handed pitchers have a combined record of 5-4 with a 4.24 ERA across 18 starts this season. They’ve pitched an average of 4⅔ innings per game, and the team is 9-9 in those games.
“We’re deeper than other years,” manager Alex Cora said before Thursday night’s game against the Rays. “You feel like in that spot, if something happens, somebody will be here and do the job.”
The roster flexibility helps, too.
Fitts started against the Rockies on Monday and earned his first career win, but was then optioned to Triple A Worcester the next day. This move allowed the Red Sox to recall reliever Isaiah Campbell, who pitched two innings in Wednesday’s dominant win against the Rockies.
Now, Dobbins will be activated off the injured list to pitch against the Rays on Friday night. He has been sidelined since June 21 with an elbow strain.
“We optioned Fitts knowing that Hunter was about to get healthy. So we can play that game,” Cora said. “That’s good for the organization, having capable options.”
Dobbins pitched five innings for Double A Portland on Saturday, surrendering one run on two hits against New Hampshire and recording eight strikeouts.
“I’m ready to give [Cora] as many innings as he needs,” Dobbins said.
Beyond proving his ability at the highest level, Dobbins has come to appreciate the unique challenge of pitching in the major leagues.
“In the minor leagues, you’re focused on what you need to improve, like pitch shapes and things like that,” he said. “But you really learn how to pitch in the majors. Mentally, I’ve grown a lot. You’re learning to pitch to a lineup and get outs, not just work on your slider or whatever else.”
With the Red Sox playing well recently, the focus is even sharper.
“It’s awesome,” Dobbins said. “The offense has been lights-out, and the starters have been great. The bullpen is holding it down. It’s fun to watch, and I want to contribute.”
Dobbins will be facing the Rays for the first time.
Bregman close to a return
Cora anticipates Alex Bregman will return either Friday or Saturday, playing in two of the remaining three games. The third baseman has been on the injured list since May 23 due to a strained right quad.
Bregman has been out for 43 games, but the Red Sox believe he doesn’t need any minor league games before rejoining the team.
Cora stated that the difference between the major leagues and Triple A is so significant that a few games wouldn’t make much of a difference.
“So why not get them here?” he said. “We’re pretty sure we’re going to be OK … We’re going to trust the player.”
Tanner Houck has pitched in five minor league games since beginning his injury rehab assignment on June 18. Cora said the team has not yet decided when the right-hander will return or what role he will fill. “We have to make decisions,” the manager said. Houck was 0-3 with an 8.45 ERA in nine starts before being diagnosed with an elbow strain. He has not pitched as a reliever since 2022 … Quietly, right-hander Jorge Alcalá has been dominant since being acquired from the Twins on June 11 after he was designated for assignment. He allowed one run on seven hits over 9⅓ innings in his first 10 appearances for the Red Sox, walking two and striking out 10. Alcalá has averaged 97.2 m.p.h. with his fastball this season. “The velocity catches your attention but the breaking ball is good,” Cora said. “With us, he’s doing a good job of getting ahead of guys.” Alcalá allowed 24 earned runs over 24⅓ innings with Minnesota … The Rays acquired right-hander Bryan Baker from the Orioles in exchange for a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick. Baker started the seventh in relief of starter Taj Bradley, who departed with a 3-1 lead after six innings. Baker gave up three runs on two hits and two walks, including a go-ahead 2-RBI single by Ceddanne Rafaela, before getting his first out. . . . The colors were presented by an honor guard from the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Company A based in Hyde Park … Brockton’s A.J. Dybantsa threw out the first pitch. The 6-foot-9 swingman was the top prep basketball prospect in the country last season and is headed to BYU.
Peter Abraham can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @PeteAbe.
