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The Boston Red Sox are coming off a brutal sweep at home to the Minnesota Twins, and are now about to face the best team in the National League in the Atlanta Braves at Fenway. However, even with an overall brutal season so far, they are only three games out from the last slot in the American League Wild Card.
With that in mind, calling this season a failure this early in the season is a little crazy. In fact, Boston still has a couple moves up their sleeve that they can make, which would turn them back into a real contender.
Crochet’s return could turn the tide
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The Red Sox decided to go all-in on pitching and defense this offseason, and got guys to finally give Garrett Crochet some help. So far, the defense and pitching have been phenomenal, but Crochet hasn’t been there.
Crochet was sent to the IL on April 29th with left shoulder inflammation. It was honestly very needed as well, as he was the complete opposite of himself from last year. He had a 3-3 record, a 6.30 ERA, 37 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.467 in 30 innings pitched.
In his last game before being injured, he was showing signs of progress, shutting out the Baltimore Orioles for six innings. If this reset can help his arm heal, he should be back to his Cy Young self, giving Boston the best rotation in the MLB.
A Roman Anthony comeback as well would help
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Roman Anthony was another superstar the Sox were counting on, who ended up underperforming as well. He was also injured though, and was sent to the IL with a right wrist sprain.
Before the IL, Anthony was slashing .229/.354/.321/.675 with five doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBI in 30 games. Hopefully, this IL stint will heal his wrist, and he will get back to swinging at full power again.
Getting another slugger is a must
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However, even if those guys do great upon their returns, the Sox still need a lot more help offensively to match up with the biggest fish in the MLB. Taking that into account, getting at least one slugger, preferably right handed, is a necessity.
If they can accomplish that by the deadline, and get their guys back at full strength, the Sox could go from one of the worst teams in the MLB to one of the best just like that.
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