The Red Sox are set to host the Astros on Friday night for the start of a three-game series.
Both teams find themselves in a tough spot, with the Red Sox at 12-19 and the Astros at 12-20.
Bennett Gets the Nod for Boston
Jake Bennett is slated to make his MLB debut for the Red Sox. Bennett was acquired from Washington for Luis Perales last December. Prior to the call-up, Bennett was with Triple-A Worcester, where he is 2-1 with an 0.86 ERA in five starts this season.
Chad Tracy, who will make his Fenway debut as interim manager for the Red Sox, spoke about Bennett. Tracy noted, “Big-time strike thrower…the velocity and the fastball has obviously ticked up.”
Tracy added, “He’s in the zone a lot,” and “Does a good job of holding runners.” According to Tracy, Bennett can use a slide step or a leg kick and has been getting the ball in the strike zone, resulting in weak contact.
Astros Counter with Burrows
The Astros will have Mike Burrows on the mound. Burrows has a 1-0 record with a 3.86 ERA in two appearances against the Red Sox.
The Astros’ lineup includes Correa, Alvarez, and Altuve. The Red Sox will counter with Duran, Contreras, and Anthony.
Matchup Notes and Stats
- Yordan Alvarez is hitting .391 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs in 26 regular-season games against the Red Sox.
- Bennett missed the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
- The Red Sox placed Garrett Crochet on the 15-day injured list earlier this week.
The Astros split a doubleheader with the Orioles in Baltimore, while the Red Sox were off on Thursday. Alvarez had his 13-game hitting streak snapped in Thursday’s opener but bounced back with a home run in Houston’s 11-5 win in the nightcap.
Bennett was drafted by the Nationals in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
The Red Sox are hoping Bennett’s ability to throw strikes translates to success at the major league level as they look to climb out of last place in the AL East.