The Boston Red Sox (40-39) are preparing for a significant rematch against the Los Angeles Angels (37-40) in Anaheim, marking a stark contrast from their last series three weeks ago. With the teams currently vying for Wild Card positions in their respective divisions, the stakes are high, adding intrigue to the upcoming three-game series starting Monday.
One major change for the Red Sox is the departure of key slugger Rafael Devers, who was traded on June 15. This decision has led to the promotion of top prospect Roman Anthony, while struggling rookie Kristian Campbell has been sent to Triple-A Worcester to refine his skills. The shake-up in the roster represents the team’s commitment to pursuing a competitive edge.
Tensions from the previous series linger, particularly following a heated exchange between Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson and Red Sox first base coach Jose Flores over alleged sign stealing, which further intensifies the rivalry.
As for the pitching matchup, Walker Buehler (5-5) will take the mound for the Red Sox, hoping to rebound from an underwhelming performance where he allowed eight earned runs against the Seattle Mariners in just over three innings. Buehler is dealing with a rough stretch, having given up 23 earned runs in his last 23 innings pitched and holds a 5.95 ERA this season. Notably, he faces several Angels hitters, including Mike Trout, who have had success against him in the past.
On the other side, Jack Kochanowicz (3-8) will be starting for the Angels. While he didn’t pitch against the Red Sox last series, he recently displayed promise against the New York Yankees, tossing 5 1/3 innings with two earned runs. Kochanowicz is excited to unveil his improved changeup, which he feels will be crucial in countering the Red Sox lineup.
Overall, the revamped roster and the pressure of playoff aspirations may spur both teams to elevate their performance, providing fans with an exciting series ahead.
This matchup not only serves as a critical juncture in the season for both teams but also highlights the potential for growth and improvement, especially for a Red Sox squad eager to showcase their new talent.