BOSTON -- His first start wasn’t exactly what everyone expected.
Now, Drew Pomeranz has his shot at redemption in more ways than just improving on his last start — which won’t take much.
The lefty makes his second start since joining the Red Sox at the tail end of the All-Star break, following a shaky Minnesota series that John Farrell admitted could have easily gone south.
“We’ve come off a couple of days where we’re a pitch away or a swing of the bat away from being in a spot where we’re possibly looking at four consecutive [wins] in this series,” Farrell said after the Red Sox’ 8-7 victory Sunday.
And each day was a different issue -- with the exception of a blowout win on Thursday night.
Friday had no offense. Saturday had crazy wind, sketchy fielding and another subpar performance from David Price. And Sunday saw a couple of fly balls land that shouldn’t have -- to go with the bullpen nearly blowing the lead.
In fact, the bullpen had a 6.97 ERA this weekend. In 10 1/3 innings of work, they gave up eight earned runs.
Boston Red Sox
Take out Brad Ziegler’s two shutout innings and they almost averaged one run per inning -- which would be a 9.00 ERA.
So, the fielding has been shaky. The bullpen blew a game where the Red Sox scored nine runs Saturday night and nearly did it again the next day when the Sox scored eight.
Add that on to a second outing where you’re trying to win over a city and region after pitching only three-plus innings, and allowing five runs, in your debut, in which the offense had given you plenty of run support, staking you to an 8-0 lead Wednesday night against the Giants (the Red Sox held on to win, 11-7).
And, you were traded for one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball -- who has become even more valuable in everyone’s eyes since you’re debut.
Last, and probably least, the guy who traded to get you -- and expressed he’s had interest in you since you were drafted -- well, you’re pitching against his old team and the guy who -- although on the decline -- has been the face of the Detroit Tigers franchise for nearly a decade in Justin Verlander.
No pressure though.
Welcome to Boston.