You just can’t make this stuff up sometimes. The Red Sox have been one of the best teams in the majors but have one black hole that keeps this team from becoming locks to win the world series, the bullpen. Boston’s offense is terrific. Their starting rotation is flat out special. The problem is outside of Craig Kimbrel, it’s hard to trust anyone coming out of that bullpen. Today, the Red Sox received tragic news to someone who was expected to be lights out this season, Carson Smith.
Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston had the news on what caused the latest injury to Smith:
Carson Smith hurt his arm throwing his glove in the dugout after he left the game yesterday. "It's unfortunate," Dave Dombrowski said. No timetable. Went for testing today, MRI, needs a second opinion: "It's got the potential of being a major injury."
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) May 15, 2018
While there is no word yet, considering Smith has already had Tommy John surgery, it’s safe to assume he’s done for the year. The left-handed specialist, Bobby Poyner, has been called up from AAA Pawtucket to take his spot on the active roster. Smith, 28, apparently injured himself in the dugout after giving up the 8th inning home run to Kris Davis that wound up being the difference in yesterday’s game. The former Mariners reliever is 1-1 with a 3.77 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 14.1 innings pitched. Thanks for being a clown, Carson. The Sox needed you.
The good news is that Tyler Thornburg should be on the way to help the Sox pen. Regardless of whether Thornburg returns, this pen needs help. Heath Hembree stinks. Joe Kelly is the most inconsistent pitcher on the planet. Matt Barnes… He stinks too. Calling Dave Dombrowski… we need a reliever, yesterday.
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The sleeper to watch could be Austin Maddox. He is working his way back from a shoulder injury himself but was lights on during the late stages of the 2017 season. Maddox, 27, tossed a 0.56 ERA in 18 games for Boston one year ago.
