The Boston Red Sox faced a critical loss on Sunday, marking the debut of rookie right-hander Richard Fitts. Opting against a bullpen game, the Red Sox tapped into their future by calling up one of their top pitching prospects. Despite a promising start from Fitts, the game concluded on a sour note, emphasizing the need to focus on next season. Fitts, a 24-year-old right-hander acquired from the Yankees in a trade involving Alex Verdugo, began his MLB career impressively. He pitched five scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox, only for an error to lead to two unearned runs in the sixth inning. The Red Sox bullpen faltered in the ninth, culminating in a devastating 7-2 defeat.
The Red Sox's failure to sweep a team with just 33 wins showcased another missed opportunity. Although a Minnesota loss left them four games back in the wild-card race, victories by Seattle and Detroit widened their gap. Manager Alex Cora lamented the missed sweep, especially the disastrous ninth inning after Zack Kelly conceded five runs, snuffing any comeback hopes. Cora expressed frustrations over Kelly's inconsistency, despite expectations and Kenley Jansen warming up, ready to close the game. Complementing a seven-run surge from the previous day, the Red Sox managed only two solo homers and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Fitts showed promise with two unearned runs on six singles, one walk, and two strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. His MLB debut, the first Red Sox starting pitcher debut since Brayan Bello in 2022, included notable defensive plays, impressing Cora. Fitts' Triple-A Worcester stats, 4.17 ERA across 24 games with a late-season 2.38 ERA spike, highlighted his development. Ranked as the No. 17 prospect by The Athletic's Keith Law, he struggled with consistency but displayed dominance, notably carrying a perfect game into the eighth inning in May. Fitts noted his year's emotional and mental growth, increasing his confidence in facing big-league lineups.
News of his start prompted a swift, rain-drenched drive from Rochester, New York, to Boston with his wife. Around 20 family and friends attended his debut, boosting his spirits despite feeling he didn't pitch his best. Fitts' chance arose because Tanner Houck skipped a rotation turn after a tough start. Consequential rotation shuffles now have Houck set to start against New York on Friday. To accommodate Fitts in the 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated Bobby Dalbec for assignment, with Chase Shugart optioned to Worcester.
Dalbec, a 29-year-old, spent much of the last two seasons in the minors, struggling with a high strikeout rate affecting his consistency. Although he showed power in Worcester, hitting .255 with 19 homers, his 36% strikeout rate was a major setback. Cora acknowledged Dalbec's skills but highlighted his swing-and-miss issue. Ahead, the Red Sox face a challenging week with series against Baltimore and the Yankees. Focusing on these games is imperative to shift their current trajectory. Cora emphasized the necessity to step up and perform better, or the team might have to shift their focus back to future prospects once again.
