The road has some bumps in it for the Boston Red Sox, but they keep plugging away in the right direction as they play a string of eight games against American League East rivals away from home.
There’s another one set for Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Red Sox have won the first two contests of the four-game series, including Tuesday night’s 5-0 triumph. That came despite Boston batters striking out 10 times across the first six innings.
Yet Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story reached a milestone in the game with his 200th career home run. He said he would just as soon look ahead at this point.
“It’s a cool benchmark to hit,” Story said. “I try to pride myself on being consistent. … It’s a fun thing to say I’ve done in my career, but right now it’s more focused on that win and chasing down that division title.”
Boston has won five of six games on the trip and improved its season road record to 32-35.
Right-hander Brayan Bello (10-6, 3.07 ERA) is lined up as Boston’s starting pitcher on Wednesday.
Bello faced the Orioles on May 23, giving up two runs in four innings with seven strikeouts without a decision in a game the Red Sox won 19-5. He’s 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven career starts versus Baltimore.
The Red Sox made moves on their pitching staff Tuesday, with left-hander Jovani Moran called up from Triple-A Worcester and right-handed reliever Richard Fitts going on the injured list. Fitts pitched in relief Monday night.
Boston manager Alex Cora said he’s fine with the depth in the bullpen.
“We’ve got options,” he said. “We still got options down there (at Triple-A Worcester). Obviously, less than a week ago, but we feel good where we’re at.”
The Orioles will use left-hander Dietrich Enns (1-2, 4.97) in an opener role Wednesday. It’s expected that right-hander Roansy Contreras will handle bulk innings for Baltimore in his debut with the team.
Contreras made 28 appearances (14 starts) with Triple-A Norfolk this season with a 7-3 record and 3.73 ERA.
The Orioles are testing players at various positions to try to project future roster construction.
Samuel Basallo, who’s natural position comes as a catcher, has been plugged in as a first baseman.
“There’s a skill set that will play well,” interim manager Tony Mansolino said. “Playing first base at this level, you don’t just throw anybody out there. Sammy has a really nice skill set.”
The Orioles are taking an extended look at outfielder Colton Cowser in center field. He mostly had been a left fielder until roster moves that included a late-July trade of Cedric Mullins.
Cowser’s progress is something to consider.
“I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with what he has done in center field,” Mansolino said. “He’s playing a much more aggressive style of defense.”
It wasn’t all smooth in Baltimore’s outfield Tuesday night. Left fielder Dylan Beavers, who made his major-league debut earlier this month, misplayed a ninth-inning fly that ended up as a double.
–Field Level Media
