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Nava the difference, Aceves delivers as Sox finish off Rays 2-1

So that's why they kept this guy around.

Following a 14-inning game on Monday and a dreadful four-inning performance from a struglling Jon Lester last night, Alfredo Aceves came up big tonight. He hurled a much-needed six-innings allowing four hits, four walks, one earned run, and three strikeouts. This came against a division rival in series deciding game. I know we have been tired of his antics, but this guy is pretty...pretty...pretty good. Is he here to stay? We'll see.

Not a lot of offense on both sides tonight besides the legend of Daniel Nava, as he put the Sox on top in the third inning 2-0. Nava is currently batting .300 with 44 RBI, which put him in the top 10 in the American League. Not bad for a former back-up. Nava's two-run shot was ultimately the deciding factor of the game. Gotta love this kid.

Side note: It seems like any pitcher in baseball can strikeout Mike Napoli right now with a slider away. Hey Michael...stop swinging at the slider away.

Andrew Bailey was called in the 9th-inning of a 2-1 and needed to redeem himself due to his iffy performance as of late. Things didn't start of on the right foot, as Bailey allowed a lead-off single to right by James Loney. However, Bailey buckled down and retired the rest of the side to preserve the game and earn the save.

The Sox travel to face another divisional rival in the Baltimore Orioles. Felix Doubront takes the mound for the Sox as the Orioles counter with top prospect Kevin Gausman. First pitch is at 7:05pm.

Boxscore

Your Morning Dump...where Aceves is here to stay?

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury started his slow trot toward the dugout after snaring a hot shot off the bat of Phillies second baseman Freddy Galvis to strand the bases loaded in the sixth inning.

In the infield, one teammate was left pounding his glove in appreciation. That was Alfredo Aceves — in a show of gratitude which only a few weeks ago seemed like it might not ever come again in a Boston uniform.

Aceves earned the win in the 9-3 victory over the Phillies at Fenway Park last night, but the mercurial pitcher can give an assist to his defense, as they turned two inning-ending double plays and several other key plays during his six innings of work for his second win of the season.

“He did a good job of getting a ground ball when he needed to, to get some double plays,” said Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli. “He went out there tonight, had good tempo and kept his defense in the game.”

Aceves, the spot starter in place of Clay Buchholz, who was scratched due to an irritation in his right AC joint, was not available for comment after the game. He scattered seven hits and three walks during his 93-pitch effort.

Herald: Alfredo Aceves gets solid backing in solid outing

I can't decide if Aceves's outing last night versus the Phillies was a good thing or bad. Here's a guy who had an incident in Spring Training, where he lazily threw batting practice balls during a simulated game, and in the regular season where his attitude continued to suck.

But last night where the Sox really needed him, he delivered. In a spot start for Clay Buchholz, Aceves threw six innings, allowing seven hits, one earned run, three walks, and struck out four. Sure the offense was there, but Aceves was solid for six and prevented Farrell from having to use his bullpen early.

The question remains...what do you do with Aceves now?

Rest of the links:

Globe: Jonathan Papelbon returns to Fenway Park | Globe: Red Sox got it right with John Farell | Globe: David Ortiz begins preparing for duty at first base | Globe: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox dump Phillies | Herald: Schedule helps David Ortiz | Herald: Shaking off slump, Red Sox return to 1st place | Herald: Papelbon enjoys where he's at | ESPNBoston.com: Ellsbury's glove, bat both play big |

Your Morning Dump...where Clay is missing a start

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz has been scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies for precautionary reasons after feeling discomfort in his right collarbone. Alfredo Aceves will start in his place.

Buchholz expressed little concern over the issue and feels he will start in a few days and avoid being skipped in the rotation entirely. He said he slept wrong on his right side while cradling his daughter after the team returned from Chicago on Wednesday, and woke up with some minor irritation.

"The night we got back from the road trip, just got in bed and had the little girl with me and I feel asleep like this [with her crooked in his arm] instead of on my back like I usually do," Buchholz said. "When I woke up the next morning it felt a little tight. So I came in here and have been getting treatment on it. I could pitch tomorrow if I had to, but I don't have to. So I'll take my time and get it all the way out and pitch in a couple more days."

ESPNBoston | Clay Buchholz (7-0) to miss start

This helps explain why Alfredo Aceves was called up. Most were speculating that he was bullpen insurance given how much they've been used lately, but now it's clear they needed him as a starter. Franklin Morales is due back tomorrow, but that would be a lot to ask (plus ask other starters to be thrown out of their routine.

Sounds like nothing really to worry about, especially considering (if you click the link and read more) that Buchholz was the one to hold himself out. That means John Farrell and the medical staff aren't concerned -- although I suppose with our medical staff's reputation for misdiagnosis that's not really all that comforting.

Today's game should be an adventure. The last time we saw Aceves he had a complete meltdown on the mound. He'll take on a struggling Philadelphia team that's missing Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, and probably Ryan Howard. Maybe a good start will raise his stock and we can send him packing to another team.

 

Your Morning Dump...where we may have seen the last of Alfredo Aceves

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

The Red Sox announced following Wednesday’s 6-5 victory over the A’s that they have optioned right-hander Alfredo Aceves to Triple-A Pawtucket. It is not yet known whom the Sox will call up to take his place on the roster. The decision comes one day after Aceves had an abysmal start in which he yielded eight runs in 3 1/3 innings, with his ERA for the year ballooning to 8.66.

“The bottom line is just that: The bottom line. You’ve got to perform to continue to get opportunities,” manager John Farrell said prior to Wednesday’s game, before the Sox announced the roster move. “We’re undecided as far as Sunday goes as far as the starter. That will become more clear tomorrow after Lackey’s bullpen. I’ve had a chance to meet with Alfredo [on Wednesday] just to discuss [Tuesday] night — not so much the role going forward. But it still comes down to continuing to earn those opportunities. There’s been mixed results over the time period [since last August].”

WEEI: Aceves gets demoted

After seeing Aceves get lit up by the Athletics only to have him blame everything except his inability to throw decent pitches, you had to figure something was coming down the line. I thought they would have maybe outright release him but he still had some options to go down to the minors, which makes his outbursts even crazier. Then again we're talking about Mr. Eyes of Satan here.

The plan to put him in the rotation in AAA is fine. Get him to look decent and then dangle him out to anyone in need of starting pitching. There's a slim chance that he'll return to the Majors as a member of the Red Sox. If the team needs a spot start, Allen Webster & Steven Wright could be the go to guys for that until Franklin Morales is done with his rehab stints. 

It's a damn shame since Aceves started his Red Sox career with a bang and we wondered why the Yankees let someone go who was a solid part of their bullpen. 

Now we know. 

Rest of the Links: Sox save best for last | In the danger zone, but Lester hangs in | Aceves sent to AAA | Herald: Hanrahan may be out of luck | Lester's frustration mounts on mound | Aceves gets demoted | CSNNE: Sox continue clean up | Despite frustration, Lester doesn't unravel | Sox rebound, take series with 6-5 win | Bailey 'outstanding' in closing role | Ortiz continues to make progress against Oakland | WEEI: Revisiting closer by committee | Sox option Aceves to Pawtucket | Sox call up Lavarnway

Your Morning Dump...where Daniel Bard is back

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

This was seen not as a quick fix, but as a process. Daniel Bard was sent to Double-A Portland to refine his mechanics and regain his confidence, not to demonstrate overnight that he was ready to return to the Red Sox.

But that day of return and possible redemption has arrived. According to the Portland Press-Herald, Bard was told by Sea Dogs manager Kevin Boles that he will be returning to the Red Sox on Wednesday.

To make room for Bard on the roster, the Sox optioned knuckleballer Steven Wright back to Pawtucket. Wright made his major league debut in Tuesday night's 13-0 loss to Oakland, eating up 3 2/3 innings in a game that was out of hand (8-0) when he entered. He was charged with five runs on six hits and four walks.

ESPNBoston | Report -- Daniel Bard to be recalled by Boston Red Sox

Well this was unexpected. I thought Bard would be spending most of the year in the minors, especially considering he hasn't pitched perfectly down there: a 4.00 ERA with four strikeouts and four walks in nine innings against AA competition. Nothing special.

I'm excited about the move because it basically signals that Alfredo Aceves is gone, and if you read my recap last night, you know I'm ready for us to part ways with the man who has the devil in his eyes. With Lackey, Breslow, Morales, and Hanrahan all on their way back, you're looking at Wilson and Miller as nearly definite demotions, followed by two of Aceves, Bard, and Mortensen as next on the list. Based on the promotion of Bard today, I'm thinking they are ready to leave him up here.

And really, this is an ideal situation for Bard. He'll have absolutely no pressure. He's last on the totem pole, no one will expect him to close considering they already have two guys vying for the job, and everyone not named Andrew Miller is pitching well. He can pitch in the majors but not feel like he has to be his old self, so maybe eventually he'll be able to get back to that level.

On page 2, Aceves sounds off on the small strike zone last night.

Recap: Red Sox trounced at soggy Fenway

All you need to know about tonight's game can be found by looking at the 3rd inning play by play (paraphrased/simplified below from ESPN's account of it):

E. Sogard walked.

C. Crisp singled.

J. Jaso walked.

S. Smith walked.

J. Lowrie struck out looking. (Wow!)

B. Moss singled.

A. Aceves balk.

J. Donaldson sac fly.

J. Reddick reached on infield single, A. Aceves not covering bag because that would be too much to ask. B. Moss scored, J. Reddick to second on A. Aceves throwing error, because, hey, why not.

A. Aceves balk.

C. Young safe at first on throwing error by W. Middlebrooks.

E. Sogard grounded out.

Alfredo, it's been fun. Actually, no it hasn't. But we've had quite enough of you, and it's time for you to go. Another team might enjoy your 8.80 ERA. Your performance does not make up for your insanity or inability to focus. You're not good, you're not fun, and it's time for you to go. I can't stress this enough. Leave.

Oh, and the Sox lost 13-0 in 7 innings, called due to rain. Bring on another day.

One positive note: The Red Sox, recognizing that the game experience must have been dreadful for those in attendance, are honoring tonight's tickets and providing free entrance to Wednesday's or Thursday's game. Pretty nice gesture to any loyal fans who sat in rainy, 40-degree weather.

Box score

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Sox score early, ride solid bullpen past Indians 6-3

The Red Sox continued their upward trend Wednesday night, winning in Cleveland 6-3. Similar to the previous night, the Sox got to the starting pitcher early (this case, old friend Justin Masterson) and never looked back. Timely hits and solid bullpen makes this team scary.

The top of the order absolutely carried the Red Sox offense tonight. Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino, and Dustin Pedroia provided timely hits and tallied eights hits in 13 at-bats with five runs scored. The four and five hitters, Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava respectively, added to the onslaught with five hits in ten at-bats and four RBI.

However the standout offensive player was Mike Carp, who made his first career start for the Red Sox at first-base. He racked up two doubles and one triple.  Carp's triple was an absolute rocket that pounded against the CF wall. With David Ortiz somewhat struggling on his rehab stint in Pawtucket, could Napoli at DH and Carp at 1B buy Ortiz some time?

I guess that's not enough, seeing as Farrell decided to pinch-hit Jonny Gomes in an odd spot in the 7th-inning. Cause that makes sense. What does Gomes do? Whiff. Certainly a head-scratcher there.

As for pitching, Alfredo Aceves ran into some serious trouble in the 5th, allowing two hits and a walk to load the bases. However Shane Victorino made a terrific running catch in deep right off the bat of Asdrubal Cabrera, thus bailing out Aceves and the Red Sox from further damage.

Even having thrown 90 pitches, Aceves re-emerged for the 6th inning. He then proceeded allowed a two-run bomb from Nick Swisher and a solo-shot from Jason Giambi (all former Yankees, including Aceves). Mark Reynolds then added the icing on the cake by doubling down the left-field line, thus forcing Aceves out of the game.

A couple of questions come to mind here: Why did Farrell stretch out Aceves by sending him out in the 6th-inning, knowing he'd surpass 100 pitches? He's not exaxtly used to that work load. Also, why was no one warm in the bullpen entering the inning?

All in all, Aceves had an admirable outing for a fifth starter. He earned the win throwing five innings, allowing seven hits, three walks, and three earned runs. Aceves also struck out two.

A sacrifice-bunt by Victorino was thrown away by Indians pitcher Joe Smith later in the 8th-inning, scoring Ellsbury and giving the Red Sox a nice 6-3 cushion.

Following Aceves, the Red Sox bullpen was stellar yet again. Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara were perfect and paved the way for closer Andrew Bailey, who had a 1-2-3 ninth to earn the save.

Tidbits:

-I think tonight we saw Farrell trying to get too cute and maybe over-managed.

-Will Middlebrooks is 2 for 31 since his 3-HR game in Toronto

-Tazawa and Uehara combined this season: 11.1 innings-pitched, seven hits, one earned-run, nine strikeouts, one walk, and a 1.13 ERA

Box Score

Your Morning Dump...Where Aceves could to step in for Lackey

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

If John Lackey is going to be sidelined for any period of time -- or even for just one start -- it seems likely that the club will use Alfredo Aceves as his replacement in the starting rotation.    

"I think it's probably best to get through [Sunday, when an MRI will be performed in Boston],'' said manager John Farrell, "and factor everything in that we do get on the information front.''    

The Sox' options, frankly are limited. Franklin Morales would ordinarily be a candidate, but he's been battling lower back issues since the start of spring training and is on the disabled list, having yet to appear in a game of any sort.    

The timetable calls for him to work up to throwing in some extended spring training games in Florida before beginning a rehab assignment with a minor-league affiliate. That will take weeks at a minimum.   

CSNNE: Game Day Notes: Who replaces Lackey?

I would take anyone in the rotation over Lackey, injury or no injury.

Alfredo Aceves is pretty much the only option right now, and I am fine with that. It is early in the season and we can commence round three of the Alfredo Aceves experiment. Is he more valuable as a starter, or in the pen?

I don't wish injury on anyone, but having John Lackey out of the rotation makes me feel that much better about the progress of the team. The talk and feeling about John Lackey going into the season was full of optimism and he laid an egg and left with an injury, bringing most of us back to a pessimistic mindset.

Let's sit back and wait for the MRI results to see how long the Sox will be without Lackey.

Related: Globe: Are the Red Sox equipped for injury to John lackey? | Herald: All signs point to Alfredo Aceves to start

The rest of the links:

WEEI: John Lackey on injured arm: 'It's sore, but hopefully not too serious' | Herald: Notebook: Southpaw again silences lineup | John Lackey gets big scare | Globe: John Lackey 'A little scary when it happened' | Lackey hurt, Red Sox fall to Blue Jays | CSNNE: Marquee pitching matchup in Sox-Jays finale |

Franklin Morales out indefinitely

We knew Franklin Morales was out due to injury, but the prognosis seems to have worsened as Morales has a bulging disc according to Peter Abraham (and a bunch of other beat writers, but his tweet was the first I saw). There's no timetable on his return, and he had an epidural, according to Sean McAdam.

With Morales and Breslow both out, we know a few things. One: Andrew Miller will see a lot of playing time early on as the lone lefty. I'd also say those of you buying into Jon Heyman's "Cut Aceves to teach him a lesson" argument will be disappointed. The bullpen is supposed to be a place of strength for the club, so cutting into its depth is not going to be an option.

Your Morning Dump...where it was just another day of being Satanic for Alfredo Aceves

Alfredo Aceves poses for fans before WBC game vs. Canada

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Mexico pitcher Arnold Leon drilled Canada's Rene Tosoni with a pitch. Tosoni reacted angrily, walking toward the mound, prompting the benches to empty.     

Team Canada outfielder Tyson Gillies seemed to seek Aceves out and from behind, wrestled him to the ground before sprinting away. Aceves chased after him, seeking retribution, but was intercepted by several Team Canada members. Aceves got several punches into a scrum that took minutes for umpires and officials to clear.

"I had a hold of him,'' said Team Canada coach Larry Walker of Aceves, "and I think I saw Satan in his eyes.''

Aceves was later one of several players ejected from the game. The WBC announced Sunday morning that no suspensions or punishments would be handed out as a result of the fight.

CSNNE | Aceves had 'Satan in his eyes' in WBC brawl

Hard to believe, isn't it? Alfredo Aceves in the middle of controversy. And because of his temper, no less.

Actually the biggest surprise is he wasn't doing the one needlessly headhunting at the end of an (ultimately) meaningless game.

I'm not someone who gets self-righteous about off-the-field behavior -- and since this isn't an MLB game, I'll consider it off the field. I was a Manny defender until the end. The key difference, of course, is that Manny should be a Hall of Famer (might not be if voters don't change their stance on PEDs), while Aceves hasn't really shown MLB talent beyond a half-season in New York.

What I'm getting to is this: Trading Aceves should be one of the things Cherington has on a front burner during the beginning of the season. Maybe a starter goes down for a contender and they don't have enough organizational depth, so they want to stretch Aceves out. Or maybe somebody's closer goes down and they think Aceves' particular brand of lunacy is well suited to it (last year's results be damned).

I'm not among the people who say to cut him (which they can do without paying his entire contract as long as they do it by a certain date in Spring Training). For whatever reason, he seems to be an asset, someone people around MLB believe in. And he could theoretically be an asset to the Red Sox, particularly with Joel Hanrahan struggling, Andrew Bailey made of tissue paper, and Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales have battled injuries. As always, you can never have enough pitching.

But if we find ourselves at a time when we do, or if another team is pressed to overpay due to circumstance, Cherington should be ready to pounce on a deal.

On page 2, David Ortiz undergoes precautionary MRIs. Yes, plural.