The Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays wrap up their three-game series on Wednesday night in Tampa. The Red Sox have seemingly transitioned to the role of spoiler as the season winds down while the Rays are still very much in the hunt for the AL East Division and an AL wildcard berth. On Wednesday, the Red Sox will send Nick Pivetta (9-10, 4.37) to the mound to oppose left-hander Jeffrey Springs (7-4, 2.62) of the Rays. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm EST.
The Boston Red Sox limp towards the finish line as the injuries continue to mount. On Monday night, outfielder Franchy Cordero appeared to turn his ankle going for a fly ball in right field and had to leave the game. The Red Sox recalled Bobby Dalbec to replace him as the team's endless stream of injuries continues. On Monday night, the Red Sox blew a 3-2 lead and fell 4-3 to the Rays to end a five-game winning streak. The loss most likely ends the faint hopes Boston has of earning a wildcard spot with still six teams in front of them for the three AL Wildcard spots. On Tuesday night, Rich Hill gave up nine hits and five runs in just four innings of work as the Rays made it two straight over Boston.
There was only one choice. pic.twitter.com/FcbCFOttSc
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 6, 2022
Boston continues to fight an uphill battle as the season winds down. Decisions will have to be made shortly about the availability of the likes of Nate Eovaldi, Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford. All three pitchers are on the IL with various injuries as the Sox begin to look towards next year. The team recently announced that lefty relieve Josh Taylor will not be activated this season and have all but ruled out first baseman Eric Hosmer for the rest of the season. On the mound in the series finale for Boston will be right-hander Nick Pivetta. The big right-hander has struggled with inconsistency all year and sits at 9-10 as the season heads for the home stretch. In his last five starts, he is 1-2 with a 3.71 ERA with 11 walks and 26 strikeouts. He has not fared well against the Rays this season, going 0-2 in two starts with an ERA of 10.13.