The Boston Red Sox have made some significant changes to their pitching lineup. They just traded for Dustin May, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, from the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the trade deadline. They also acquired lefty Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals, shifting him to a late-inning relief role.
Craig Breslow, the chief baseball officer, expressed confidence in May. He noted that May comes from a successful team and has a solid history in postseason play. “He’s a proven option for our rotation,” Breslow said.
This season, May has had a mixed performance with a 4.85 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 19 games. He’s also returning from a serious medical issue that sidelined him for much of last year. Breslow highlighted May’s ability to limit hard contact and keep the ball on the ground, which could be advantageous at Fenway Park.
However, May’s current stats suggest he’s been hit harder than usual. He falls in the bottom 20% of pitchers regarding average exit velocity, allowing batters to make contact at 90.8 mph. Interestingly, despite this, he maintains a good ground ball rate, ranking in the 62nd percentile.
Breslow mentioned that they were looking for an “impact starter” before the trade deadline. He refrained from labeling May specifically, emphasizing that his performance in the coming months will determine his impact in Boston.
As for Matz, he has a strong 3.44 ERA this year, but his recent outings have been shaky. He has struggled, allowing 17 earned runs over his last 28.1 innings. But Breslow believes Matz’s skills are best utilized in relief, especially in high-pressure situations.
Matz has shown mixed results, with more “meltdowns” than “shutdowns” this season. His recent performances have made it clear that he can be a reliable option in tight games.
Both players come with their own histories and potential. As the Red Sox gear up for the final stretch of the season, they will look to these additions to enhance their chances. The team’s strategy includes adapting their roles based on performance and workload, ensuring that they put the best foot forward as they aim for postseason contention.
For more insights on trades and player performance, check out the latest reports from ESPN and MLB.
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