The Boston Red Sox’ bid to sweep the Miami Marlins hit a snag Sunday as they let a two-run lead slip away in a 5-3 loss, one of their tougher defeats of the year. They’ll try to rebound against a hot start from Trevor Rogers, who will take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles in the first game of a two-game set at Fenway Park on Monday night.
Rogers, 27, has a standout 1.43 ERA through 11 starts this season, part of a remarkable resurgence after a shaky stretch earlier in his career. The left-hander rose to prominence with Miami, posting a 2.64 ERA in 2021 before slipping to a 5.47 ERA in 2022 and suffering a season-ending biceps injury in April 2023. Baltimore acquired him at last year’s trade deadline for Kyle Stowers and Connor Norby, a move that initially drew questions but is paying dividends for the Orioles.
Stowers, who became an All-Star contributor for the Marlins, hit .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs before landing on the injured list during the weekend series with Boston. Rogers didn’t debut for Baltimore until May 24, and since returning he’s been nearly untouchable: no more than two runs allowed in each of his last nine starts and at least six innings pitched in all but one outing. He has become a focal point of Baltimore’s improved rotation, often cruising through early innings and keeping the Orioles in every game.
That dominant run began with a six-inning, scoreless start against the Red Sox, and Rogers will get another shot to quiet a Boston lineup that will face him again as they play 10 straight games against the Orioles and New York Yankees. The series opener is scheduled for Monday at 7:10 p.m. ET.
What to watch:
– Rogers’ control and movement will challenge Boston’s hitters who are looking to break through against a pitcher who has shown both efficiency and durability since his return.
– The Red Sox will aim to solve a left-hander who’s been one of Baltimore’s most effective pitchers this season, hoping to swing momentum after their recent rough patch.
– Baltimore’s unexpected strength on the mound could tilt what’s shaping up as a pivotal stretch for both teams in the AL East race.
Summary: The Red Sox seek redemption after a setback to the Marlins as they host Trevor Rogers and the Orioles, who’ve benefited from Rogers’ sharp return from injury. The matchup promises depth on the mound and could influence the trajectory of their early-season division battles.
Additional note: If you’re updating game previews, include current lineups, any late-injury designations, and bullpen usage since Rogers’ return has changed how Baltimore manages rest days and starter depth. Positive outlook: Rogers’ revival has given Baltimore clear rotation stability, while Boston has a chance to reverse course early in a grueling slate against division rivals.