The Red Sox and Phillies have had similar starts to the season: they’re two big ballclubs with big aspirations who both immediately fell on their faces, prompting two managerial firings. And while the Phillies have done a better job righting the ship under their new skipper than the Sox have, they’ll both share some history tonight, as it’s the first time in 22 years that two teams with new managers will face off this early in the season. (Thomas Harrigan, MLB.com)
That’s not exactly the type of history teams generally want to make, so here’s some more, slightly better history. When the Sox rolled out five straight left-handed starters last week, it was the first time they had done so since 2018. They’ve also had more games started by rookies this year (14) than any other team and, for the most part, those rookie hurlers have come through. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Could the Sox have another lefty rookie pitcher a few years down the line who not only follows in the footsteps of Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, but does so as a local kid made good? With the 20th pick in next month’s MLB draft, the Sox could be in line to select Bishop Feehan’s Brody Bumila, a 6-9 lefty who already throws 100 MPH heat. (Hayden Bird, Boston.com)
The success of the rookie Red Sox pitchers points to a well-functioning minor league system. But that system received a shock with the Alex Cora firing and the subsequent coaching staff shuffle, and that hasn’t been easy for the organization to deal with. “There’s times when change happens and you kind of see it coming,” said Portland Sea Dogs coach Kyle Sasala. “None of us saw this coming. I woke up one day and was defensive coach. Next day, I was the manager.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Speaking of things no one sees coming, is Trevor Story poised to turn his season around? “It’s only a matter of time,” says the veteran shortstop. (Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald)
As Story’s 2025 season reminds us, it’s helpful to have patience in baseball. But can we all be as patient as David Ortiz, who waited nearly 20 years to get revenge on Joe West for calling him ugly?
