The last dozen starts now
The second half of September has arrived and the last dozen games are here. As the Red Sox count down to the end of the season there is one thing really standing in their path: the Tampa Bay Rays. Half of the remaining schedule is against Tampa. Three games at Tropicana Field and three at Fenway Park.
Nick Pivetta has been on something of a roll over his last few starts. He’s tossed 6.0 innings against the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles while allowing a total of 4 runs. All said, this has been another solid season for Pivetta. The 31-year-old has kept the Red Sox in games but with offensive fluctuations and a bad bullpen the Sox are 13-11 in games he’s appeared. In 17 of those starts he allowed 3 runs or fewer.
He’s opposed by Shane Baz who is on a roll of his own. Since his season debut on July 5th he’s made 11 starts over 60/1 innings with 50 Ks and 24 walks. He’s allowed more than 3 runs just one time – to the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s allowed a total of 10 hits over his last four outings.
The next two days feature, likely, a combination of Cooper Criswell and either Tanner Houck or Richard Fitts.
Criswell has been a fine addition to the back of the rotation, although probably few saw 18 starts and counting from him entering the season.
Tanner Houck is going through shoulder soreness and hasn’t been available the last couple weeks despite almost starting twice. If the Sox were actually in it would he be available? It’s unclear. This has been his highest innings total so maybe the time off is better than pitching totally gassed to prepare for next year.
What can you say about Richard Fitts? He replaced the other Richard (Rich Hill) with two rather excellent outings. No earned runs yet in the big league – although two unearned while he was on the mound. Might as well see what he has for 2025.
Congratulations to our WooSox ’24 Award winners!
Chase Meidroth – Most Valuable Player presented by National Grid
Richard Fitts – Most Valuable Pitcher & the Heart of the Heart Community Award
Mistah Wistah – Nick Sogard
Geddy Good Guy Award – Jamie Westbrook pic.twitter.com/RqouwOWnlO— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) September 15, 2024
Probable Starting Pitchers
Tuesday 9/17: Nick Pivetta (4.24 ERA / 4.04 FIP) vs Shane Baz (3.28 ERA / 4.26 FIP)
Wednesday 9/18: Cooper Criswell (?) vs Ryan Pepiot (3.76 ERA / )
Thursday 9/19: Tanner Houck or Richard Fitts (?) vs Zack Littell (3.73 ERA / )
Where and How to Watch
Tuesday 9/17: 6:50 PM ET on WEEI and NESN
Wednesday 9/18: 6:50 PM ET on WEEI and NESN
Thursday 9/19: 6:50 PM ET on WEEI and NESN