All articles tagged with #bullpen management
Michael Kay criticizes Red Sox manager Alex Cora for overusing his bullpen in Game 2, which could negatively impact their chances in Game 3, especially with rookie pitchers and a taxed bullpen.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora faced criticism for his bullpen management in a crushing 13-5 loss to the Houston Astros. Cora did not make any calls to the bullpen as reliever Kyle Barraclough gave up 10 runs in 4.1 innings of relief. Cora explained that he was thinking of the days ahead and giving his bullpen a rest day, as they have been overworked in recent weeks. However, fans questioned if this was a form of "quiet quitting" and a lack of appreciation for the minor leaguers provided by chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. The Red Sox now sit 5.5 games behind the Astros in the AL Wild Card race.
The New York Mets suffered their ugliest loss of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies, with rookie left-hander Josh Walker melting down in the eighth inning. Manager Buck Showalter's bullpen management was criticized, as he failed to use his top relievers in a high-leverage situation. The Mets' season has been full of almosts, with a lost club that can't stop its downward spiral. The team with the highest payroll in the history of baseball is led by a manager who isn't helping, a general manager who left substantial holes on the roster, and an owner who is more willing to be aggressive with his money than make necessary in-season changes.
The Baltimore Orioles lost a late lead to the Atlanta Braves, 5-4, due to questionable bullpen management by manager Brandon Hyde. Despite a gutsy effort by the Orioles lineup, including a two-run rally in the sixth inning, Hyde sent out struggling reliever Bryan Baker for a second inning of work, which backfired as he allowed a leadoff double in the eighth. Reliever Danny Coulombe then served up a two-run home run to pinch-hitter Kevin Pillar, giving the Braves the lead and ultimately the win. Meanwhile, Braves pitcher Spencer Strider was dominant, striking out 10 Orioles hitters in three innings.
Marcus Semien's seventh career grand slam helped the Texas Rangers to a 9-1 win over the Houston Astros, securing their first series victory in Houston since 2018. The Rangers had struggled in Houston, going 6-30 in their last 36 games at Minute Maid Park. Nathaniel Lowe, Adolis García, and Josh Jung loaded the bases before Semien's grand slam in the seventh inning. Andrew Heaney pitched five shutout innings for the Rangers, while the bullpen held off a late Astros rally.