News and notes from around Red Sox Nation.
Tyler O’Neill was back in the Red Sox clubhouse yesterday, after his leg infection got so bad he was forced to make a couple of hospital stays. At the moment he’s rebuilding his strength and conditioning, and likely won’t need a rehab assignment when he returns to full health. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Also back in the clubhouse (and on the field): Jarren Duran. The All-Star Game MVP returned after serving his two-game suspension for directing a homophobic slur at a fan, and he seems to be still grappling with his actions. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Tyler O’Neill and Jarren Duran are two of the better defensive players on the Red Sox, but the Red Sox remain one of the worst defensive teams overall. Last night, they got beat by another big mistake in the field, a ninth-inning double play that wasn’t turned. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
When Craig Breslow looks at the defense, he sees a collection of players who are young and athletic, but who need more development at the MLB level. (Brian Foisy, WEEI)
It isn’t just the defense that’s a problem. The pitching performance has nosedived, and with continued attrition up and down the pitching staff, it’s starting to feel like the postseason window is closing. (Chad Finn, Boston.com)
But at least the farm system is thriving. The Sox landed four prospects in the top 54 of ESPN’s updated midseason rankings, with Marcelo Mayer leading the way at number five. (Kiley McDaniel, ESPN)