News and notes from around Red Sox Nation.
Just as one rehab ends, another begins (such is the circle of baseball injury life or something). With Triston Casas finished up his rehab stint with Worcester last night, Liam Hendriks is now set to begin his. After throwing several live bullpen sessions this week, he’ll make his first AAA appearance on Sunday. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
The bullpen could certainly use Hendriks’ help, but the starting rotation is struggling big time, too. After being skipped for his last turn in the rotation, Nick Pivetta returned to action and pitched well against the Orioles last night, so maybe a little rest is what they need. (Gio Rivera, NESN)
That’s why — regardless of what led to the impending Rich Hill signing — bringing him on board at this point is a good idea. The Red Sox need someone who can eat some innings while the rest of the staff tries to get back on track. (Julian McWiliams, Boston Globe)
The Rich Hill signing is unfortunately timed in one sense, though: word of the transaction leaked as the Red Sox were being beat by Zach Eflin, a pitcher the Sox could have acquired at a few different points over the past few years. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
With new faces coming into the team and nine games coming against strong competition (the Orioles, Astros, and Diamondbacks), this seems like the moment in which the ultimate fate of the season is going to be decided. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
Even if the season does end in disappointment, though, Ceddanne Rafaela should be happy about his rookie year. His baseball-crazy family certainly is. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)