Braves Take Series in Boston, Home Struggles Continue
Chris Sale dominates his former club, while the Red Sox bullpen throws batting practice for a second day in a row.
The Atlanta Braves, one of the top teams in baseball, came into Fenway Park and reminded all of us why they’re contenders, and the Red Sox aren’t. The rubber match was decided with one swing of the bat from Ronald Acuna Jr. in the sixth inning, after Danny Coulombe and Greg Weissert do what they do best—throw BP. Braves win 10-2, taking another series two games to one from the Red Sox.
Sale Dominates, Acuna Explodes, Weissert Stinks
Chris Sale struck out eight over five innings, allowing two runs in an all-too familiar dominating fashion. The southpaw continues to age like fine wine, but at least Vaughn Grissom is showing promise—out in Anaheim—so maybe that trade wasn’t a disaster. Payton Tolle got the start for Boston. 4.2 innings, two runs, seven strikeouts on 94 pitches. Despite a near identical line to Sale, the Red Sox bullpen and offense failed to support him, again. The Braves hit three homers. Michael Harris, Ozzie Albies, and of course Acuna, good for seven RBI’s. The Red Sox hit three doubles, which netted them one run.
It’s no secret the 2026 Red Sox are horrible at home, a 9-19 record reflects that. Coulombe gave his best effort, 10 pitches, one hit, two walks. Weissert came in to clean up his mess. Walking in a run then serving Acuna a 93mph fastball down the middle to clear the bases. The problem is Weissert isn’t aware that the goal is to get runners off the bases by getting outs, not giving up grand slams. 21 inherited runners this season, 12 have scored. Why does Weissert continue to get these opportunities? Well, Garrett Whitlock is now on the IL, Ryan Watson gave up 100 runs the day before, Zack Kelly is in Triple-A, Tyron Guerrero gets one batter a game, and Justin Slaten needs protection. A more important question to be asked is how the hell Weissert has a 4.43 ERA on the season, and only a 3.42 career ERA.
On Boston’s offensive side, eight hits but couldn't string anything together—again—against Sale and the Atlanta bullpen. Caleb Durbin has a new batting stance and got an RBI, but timely hitting is an unknown concept in a brutal home loss.
Injury Updates
Garrett Whitlock lands on the 15-day IL with left knee soreness after slipping on a wet mound during Sunday’s game with the twins. Scans were clean, but that’s what the Red Sox are saying. Expect to see Whitlock back sometime within two weeks and after the lockout. Tyler Samaniego was recalled from Worcester, because of course a guy with 1.04 ERA was rotting in the minors.
Roman Anthony is dealing with a partially-torn ligament in his finger. He’s taking swings every day and ramping up to join the club soon. Yes, he’s been out since May 4, but it took three weeks for the Red Sox to be honest about what the injury was. And to specify, it was Anthony who was honest about what the injury is, not the Red Sox. In an interview with Rob Bradford (@bradfo on X) Anthony said, “I don’t know if it’s made clear, but it’s a partially torn ring finger ligament. My ring finger CMC (carpometacarpal), to be exact.” Reports suggest it’s a pain tolerance thing at this point, and his return is—in fact—closer than further away.
Romy Gonzalez, yet to make his season debut, continues to make strides in his rehab from left shoulder surgery. Recent reports indicate he’s throwing and is nearing swinging workouts, with a potential return around mid-June.
The Fellas Travel to Beautiful Cleveland Next
The Red Sox travel to Cleveland for a three-game set against the Guardians starting this evening. At 33-25 and winners of seven of their last 10, the Red Sox have their hands full. On a positive note, Boston is successful on the road this season, with a 14-13 record. Pitching probables according to MLB.com state the Red Sox will face Slade Cecconi, Parker Messick, and Tanner Bibee. Messick, a candidate for AL rookie of the year holds a 2.24 ERA through 64.1 innings. Jot Saturday’s game in for a loss now so it hurts less later.
This team stinks. Bad.
We will continue to watch, but it’s sad to witness the daily struggles for the 2026 Boston Red Sox.
Fire sale? Only if Craig Breslow’s computer algorithms say he's winning the trade that puts this franchise back another half decade.