Big things were expected from the Boston Red Sox this time around—and why not? The off-season was stellar, with them not just relying on their farm system but spending big to build a roster full of potential. It was supposed to be a fresh start for Boston, but just a few games in, reality has hit them harder than a 100mph fastball. Their opening series against the Texas Rangers was anything but successful. They struggled with a 1-3 start, and the man who was supposed to be their firepower—Alex Bregman—failed to deliver.
The Red Sox’s biggest offseason acquisition found himself caught in the team’s early struggles. He went 4-for-17 with no extra-base hits, no RBIs, and four strikeouts across the four games. To make matters worse, his painful game-ending strikeout on Sunday left fans questioning whether all the hype was misplaced.
However, the former Houston Astros superstar is not ready to panic—at least not yet!
“Obviously, not the results that we’re looking for. But I have a lot of confidence that we’re going to turn it around here rather quickly,” Bregman told the reporters about his slow start. Well, confidence has never been an issue for Bregman, and he still feels that things will turn around for the Red Sox. However, the elephant in the room is that while the pitching staff held the Rangers to a manageable run total, the offense was silent. They managed just 11 total runs in four games.
Bregman himself had plenty of chances to play hero but got struck out instead. Still, he isn’t dwelling on the past and said, “We just didn’t pick guys up when we were on the bases, and it starts with me. Obviously, I had a lot of chances this series. I gotta be better and come through in those spots, and I will be.” For now, he is ready to put the struggles behind him. And ready to prove why he is worth the $120 million that the Red Sox invested in him.
Rafael Devers’ struggles worsen as Red Sox adjust to Alex Bregman era
Now, Bregman’s sluggish debut with Boston may have raised eyebrows, but nothing is ringing alarm bells like Rafael Devers‘ slump. He has been completely out of sync, and one might blame his move to a full-time DH as the culprit. Through the four games, he went 0-for-16 with a staggering 12 strikeouts. Yes, you read that right—12 strikeouts! His only offensive contributions are a lone RBI and two walks. For a two-time Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star, this is a struggle no one saw coming—perhaps not even him.
Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (11) hits a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning during the third inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Much of the struggle may be due to Devers’ shift to a DH role. After all, this is the same guy who boasts a .278 career batting average and ranks among the top 20 active home run hitters. But this time, it’s a different story altogether. Still, manager Alex Cora isn’t panicking yet.
While talking about Devers’s struggles, Cora said, “Not catching up with the fastball. He’s going to keep working. That’s what he’s been doing the whole time, and he’ll be alright.” While Devers was expected to thrive as a DH, he has yet to settle into the role. His spring training started late because he and the Red Sox front office spent considerable time debating his position for the year. This indecision might have come back to haunt him now.
Baseball, however, doesn’t wait for struggling stars. The Red Sox are heading into a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. This could be the perfect opportunity for Bregman and Devers to break out of their slump and bring some much-needed offensive energy.
How do you think Boston will fare against Baltimore? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The post “Have Lot of Confidence” – Alex Bregman Throws Weight Behind Red Sox’s Shaky Campaign With Bold Season Promise appeared first on EssentiallySports.
