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Red Sox Rookie Could Become Unexpected Weapon Against Yankees
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- Red Sox Rookie Could Become Unexpected Weapon Against Yankees
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The Red Sox have announced their starters for the Wild Card Series. Their more intriguing pitching decision may come after one of those starters leaves.
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Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett made 19 starts for Boston this season. On Friday, he came out of the bullpen for the first time and threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a 4-3 win over the Cubs . With a best-of-three series against the Yankees beginning Tuesday, that outing gave manager Chad Tracy another option to consider.
Payton Tolle will start Game 1 at Yankee Stadium. Sonny Gray is set for Wednesday, and Ranger Suárez is lined up for a deciding Game 3 if necessary. Bennett's potential role is less certain, which is exactly why Friday mattered.
A New Entrance, the Same Assignment
A relief appearance changes a starter's routine. Bennett had to prepare to enter a game already in progress rather than build toward the first pitch. He handled the adjustment while Boston was playing for postseason position.
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"Definitely a little bit of an adrenaline rush, but at the end of the day, it's the same game," Bennett told MLB.com afterward. He said the appearance gave him experience in case the Red Sox need him out of the bullpen against New York.
That is a practical concern in a short series. If a starter exits early, several scoreless innings from Bennett could keep Boston within reach. If a game stretches late, he could help preserve other relievers for the following night.
MORE: Roman Anthony Finally Gets The Red Sox-Yankees Playoff Moment He Missed
The Innings Nobody Can Predict
Bennett's Friday performance does not guarantee him a place on the playoff roster or a specific assignment. Boston still has decisions to make about its pitching staff, and the course of each game will determine whom Tracy needs.
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But the rookie has now experienced the call from the bullpen in a close major league game. He responded by keeping the Cubs off the scoreboard while the Red Sox came back to win.
The attention Tuesday will begin with Tolle and his matchup against Cam Schlittler . Bennett's audition was a reminder that a playoff series can also turn on the pitcher asked to take over when the original plan ends.
