How about now?
The Boston Red Sox are still on the hunt for their first regular season series victory, with their next chance beginning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park on Monday — with full coverage of the series starting at 6 p.m. ET on NESN. If you want to know what’s coming and what to expect, check out our full series preview:
BREWERS (7-2) @ RED SOX (2-7)
Dates: April 6, April 7, April 8
Location: Fenway Park
Series Record (All-Time): 223-198
THREE STORYLINES
1. TIME TO PIVOT?
The Red Sox are essentially ramming their heads into the wall. Boston’s three series losses have had numerous things in common — outrageous chase rates, bad defense, mental mistakes, poor pitching — and there are options out there to help turn the tides, so why haven’t they done anything?
Marcelo Mayer should probably be starting at shortstop over Trevor Story, who is on pace to lead the league in errors for the second consecutive season, Wilyer Abreu should be moved up in the order, as he is the only every day player with an OPS+ of more than 110 (274). Masataka Yoshida needs more at-bats, as he has reached base in every game he has played this season. Andrew Bailey needs to get his staff in order, because they are undoubtedly better than the numbers would suggest.
It’s probably too early for the panic button, but the refresh button is also staring you in the face…
2. PITCHER’S DUEL
Garrett Crochet vs. Jacob Misiorowski has a chance to be the best pitching duel we see all season.
Crochet, 26, is one of the very best in the business and should be on a mission following his uncharacteristic bludgeoning at the hands of the Houston Astros. Misiorowski, 24, on the other hand, is one of the league’s most prolific strikeout artists and is facing a lineup who does than more than anyone.
Fun!
3. BULLPEN ROLE CHANGES?
Greg Weissert’s third meltdown in four appearances should be enough to push him out of a high-leverage role and into more low-leverage spots — but who replaces him?
Ryan Watson has been impressive to start his big league career. Jovani Morán and Danny Coulombe would give you a different look as left-handers. It’ll remain to be seen just how the bullpen is configured, but there’s no doubt something changes.
PROBABLE PITCHERS
Monday, April 6:Â RHP Brayan Bello (9.64 ERA, 4.2 IP, 2 K) vs RHP Brandon Woodruff (3.60 ERA, 5.0 IP, 6 K)
Tuesday, April 7: LHP Garrett Crochet (3.27 ERA, 11.0 IP, 15 K) vs RHP Jacob Misiorowski (2.45 ERA, 11.0 IP, 18 K)
Wednesday, April 8:Â RHP Sonny Gray (4.50 ERA, 10.0 IP, 8 K) vs RHP Chad Patrick (0.96 ERA, 9.1 IP, 7 K)
HOW TO WATCH?
Monday, April 6:Â 6:45 p.m. ET on NESN
Tuesday, April 7:Â 6:45 p.m. ET on NESN
Wednesday, April 8:Â 1:35 p.m. ET on NESN
More MLB:Â ESPN MLB Reporter Ranks Red Sox Most Fun, Watchable American League Team