Whiskey – Tango – Foxtrot: Another Pitcher Down
7/6/11: Red Sox 3, Blue Jays 2
The Red Sox managed a dramatic win last night, yet this game could be one of the most costly of the season. Jon Lester, the ace of the staff, left the game prematurely after throwing four no-hit innings against the Blue Jays. The diagnosis is a strained latissimus (“lat”), and he will be further evaluated today to determine the extent of the injury.
Early indications are that it shouldn’t be a long term issue, and with the All-Star Break looming next week, Lester would only miss two starts if he were to be placed on the DL. Still, that’s two Alfredo Aceves starts too many, as far as I’m concerned.
Top 5 Performances:
| Player | WPA | Notes |
| J Lester | 20.9% | four no-hit innings |
| M Albers | 10.5% | 2 scoreless innings of emergency relief |
| J Drew | 7.4% | 1 for 3, RBI, BB |
| D Ortiz | 6.3% | 1 for 3, 2B, R, BB |
| F Morales | 5.3% | perfect 7th |
Of course, the key defensive play (not acknowledged by WPA) needs to be mentioned: Darnell McDonald gunning down the potential tying run to win the game, with Jason Varitek masterfully blocking the plate.
Quote of the Day
“We heard the phone ring right after the top of the fourth and kind of had a feeling that it probably wasn’t good.”
- Reliever Matt Albers, on the unexpectedly early bullpen call
Prospect Watch
Note: three minor league affiliates played double-headers yesterday (Pawtucket, Portland, and Lowell).
- AAA – Catcher Ryan Lavarnway went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles in the nightcap, and is having no trouble adjusting to AAA competition, hitting .338/.418/.613 after 21 games.
- AA – Will Middlebrooks went a combined 7 for 9 in both games, including a home run. He’s hitting .320/.366/.509 for Portland this year.
- R – Here’s a new name to keep an eye on: 18-year-old pitcher Raul Alcantara threw 6 no-hit innings, and has only allowed 2 hits in 16 innings in the Gulf Coast League this year. Soxprospects.com notes that his fastball is in the low 90′s, and can get up to 95 MPH.
Would doubront not be a better fill-in option for lester? This sucks regardless, and we need lester back soon or I’ll be watching badminton for the rest of the summer. Also, what’s your call on lavarnway’s ability to catch in the big leagues next year?
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Peteabe suggests millwood or weiland
Sorry, I just got around to this now. I’m glad Weiland got the call, because he was pitching much better than Millwood.
He had a shaky inning, but luckily got some support. Could be a good, cheap #5 starter option next season.