Ranger Suarez has been a footnote in too many games lately, especially after that 13-inning marathon against the White Sox on August 6th, where he barely lasted three innings on 70 pitches. He’s been out there, sure, but since coming off the IL from a mid-July groin strain, he’s largely faded into the background. Now, with August rolling along and those summertime sunsets starting to creep back, the Red Sox desperately need him to make a real impact.
Suarez’s Struggle Since the IL Stint
It’s been a weird stretch for Suarez since that groin injury. Even though tonight is his fifth start back, he hasn’t received a decision in a game since way back in June. And get this: he’s only averaged 70 pitches per start since returning. Seventy pitches! You can’t be a top-of-the-rotation guy with that kind of output. To be fair, he hasn’t been awful out there; he’s kept opponents to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last ten starts, a run dating back to the end of May. That’s not terrible, but it’s not the impact performance you want from a guy who you know can anchor a rotation. Tonight feels like a critical check-in to see what he’s truly got left in the tank. The groin injury should be a full month in the rearview mirror, so if he’s pitching well, he should be able to hit 90 pitches.
Merrill Kelly’s Split Personality and Double-A Debuts
On the other side of the mound, Merrill Kelly is a total wild card. If you don’t know what to expect from him, you’re not alone. The dude has been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in his 22 starts this season. He’s got eight outings where he’s given up five or more earned runs, which is rough. But then, he’s also got twelve starts where he’s allowed two or fewer earned runs. Only two games fall in that three or four earned run middle ground. Talk about a strange season. Speaking of strange seasons, Roman Anthony is back on the field after three months, starting his rehab assignment up in Portland for the Sea Dogs. He’ll be batting second and DH. And adding to the excitement up there, Justin Gonzales is making his Double-A debut, batting leadoff.
Tonight is about more than just another game; it’s about seeing if Suarez can finally shake off the rust and the injury effects. The Red Sox need him to stretch out, go deep, and remind everyone what he’s capable of. Let’s see if he can make that impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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