Yesterday’s big news surrounding the Red Sox was Xander Bogaerts’ injury and Garrett Richards struggling in his Spring Training debut. Today was a lot more positive, as their offense went bonkers in their exhibition versus the Rays.
Yairo Munoz started the home run party, going deep in the bottom of the second inning with Hunter Renfroe on base. Then Kike Hernandez went yard to lead off the third before outfield prospect Jarren Duran also homered two pitches later. J.D. Martinez, who is looking to get back to his 2018 form, singled to left field which gave Rafael Devers a base runner to drive in on his mammoth two-run shot to center field.
If the Red Sox offense can hit that well when the games count, it will help the pitchers out a lot because they have more room to make mistakes.
Perez’ First 2021 Action
Speaking of pitchers, Martin Perez became a fan favorite during last year’s COVID season and he came back to Boston in free agency. The 29-year-old left-hander logged two innings and surrendered just one hit. He was perfect after giving up a Willy Adames single to begin the top of the first.
While Richards is more of a question mark, you know what you’re going to get from Perez. He doesn’t blow anyone away with his velocity but he will throw strikes and is going to be an innings eater for Alex Cora this season.
(Photo: Michael Dwyer/AP Photo)
