MLB42 min ago2 minute read

Sonny Gray Fumes After Quick Hook Ends Red Sox Season

Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray was frustrated after manager Chad Tracy pulled him after 70 pitches in a playoff loss to the New York Yankees.

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Gray Wants More Trust

Boston Red Sox starter Sonny Gray did not hide his anger after Wednesday night's playoff defeat. Rookie manager Chad Tracy pulled the 18 game winner after he threw only 70 pitches. The New York Yankees went on to win 9-2, completing a two game sweep of the wild card series.

Gray felt he should have stayed in the game. "I think I'm the best pitcher in the American League going through the order a third time," Gray said. He added that he would have liked to be trusted in that moment.

At the time of his exit in the fifth inning, Boston trailed 1-0. Gray had just allowed a two out single to Ben Rice that put runners on first and third. Tracy decided to turn to the bullpen, a unit that was the best in baseball during the regular season. Gray said he felt crisp and sharp, and was frustrated that his season had to end this way.

Management Decisions Under Fire

Tracy's bullpen decisions came under fire after both games of the series. After pulling Gray, Tracy brought in left handed reliever Erik Miller to face Cody Bellinger. Bellinger hit an RBI single to right field. On Tuesday, Tracy had also pulled starter Payton Tolle after 83 pitches, and Miller immediately gave up a home run.

The Red Sox bats were cold throughout the series. Boston managed only seven hits in the two games and was outscored 18-2 overall. They finally broke a 26 inning postseason scoreless streak when Willson Contreras hit a solo home run in the sixth inning on Wednesday.

Contreras expressed some skepticism about the team's reliance on data. He said that while data is there to help, teams still need experience and veteran players to win games.

The defeat ended a roller coaster year for Boston. The team started the season with 32 wins and 46 losses before going on a massive run in July, which included a 15 game winning streak.

What it means for the next game

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (MLB, Fri, 02 Oct): New York Yankees win 55%, Boston Red Sox win 45%; projected score New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Yankees +1.5.