The Boston Red Sox welcomed back an All-Star but experienced the loss of a starting pitcher for the remainder of the season on Friday, during a 5-4, dramatic victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. The reinstatement of third baseman Alex Bregman, who had been sidelined for the preceding 43 games due to a strained right quad muscle, was promptly overshadowed by the injury suffered by rookie Hunter Dobbins in the second inning.
While covering first base, Dobbins sustained a tear to the ACL in his right knee. Despite the 25-year-old right-hander completing the out, Dobbins displayed a limp after landing awkwardly from the slight jump he made to receive a throw from Red Sox first baseman Abraham Toro.
He attempted to continue playing, but manager Alex Cora removed him from the game following Dobbins’ initial warm-up pitch. According to The Associated Press, Dobbins informed reporters that he had previously torn the same ACL while playing football in high school.
Dobbins also indicated that his season has concluded.
“I was aware of what had occurred,” he stated Saturday, as reported by NESN. “You’re striving to compete alongside these individuals, aiming to secure victories in games, and then to realize that your season is over is quite challenging.”
The Red Sox placed him on the 15-day IL and recalled Richard Fitts from Triple-A Worcester. Fitts, another right-handed pitcher, will occupy Dobbins’ roster spot.
Friday represented Dobbins’ first start for Boston since June 20, and his 11th start this season. He had previously been on the IL due to a right elbow injury.
A 2021 draft selection by the Red Sox, Dobbins made his MLB debut on April 6. He will conclude his rookie season with a 4-1 record and a 4.13 ERA.
Dobbins described Ceddanne Rafaela’s two-run, walk-off home run on Friday night as “almost an appropriate way to win that game” following his injury in its early stages. He added that it was gratifying that his teammates supported him in that manner.
The Red Sox have now secured eight consecutive victories. With a record of 51-45, Boston holds third place in the AL East standings, trailing the surging Toronto Blue Jays by five games, who have won 13 of their last 15 games. The second-place New York Yankees are also gaining momentum before the break with a five-game winning streak.
