Duran knocks in three, Red Sox win 15th straight

Crochet, who has been sidelined with a capsule strain in his shoulder since late April, added that he could potentially make it back as a one or two-inning reliever if he makes it back to Boston before the end of the season. The 27-year-old ace would provide the Red Sox with a real weapon out of the bullpen for the postseason, but his odds of making any sort of meaningful fantasy impact appear nonexistent for the rest of the season. There’s a contractual component to Crochet’s absence where he’s missed enough time that the opt-out in his six-year, $170 million contract with the club converts to a $15 million club option for 2032. Basically, the Red Sox have Crochet under control for five guaranteed years and $142 million with a sixth-year option for 2032.

Okamoto’s home run was his 25th of the season. He hit a solo shot off Steven Matz in the fifth inning. Okamoto’s home run was his first since July 28 against the Nationals, a span of 16 games. He’s hitting .227 with a .731 OPS and 72 RBI.

The encouraging news here is that Gausman appeared to be dealing with an issued related to his non-throwing hand, which led to his early departure. He was charged with three runs on seven hits, including a solo homer by Munetaka Murakami, over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five and only issued two walks. There should be an update on his status following the contest.

Kirk’s home run was his sixth of the season. He hit a two-run shot off Nick Martinez in the third inning. Injuries have limited Kirk to 51 games so far this season, but he’s produced when he’s been available. He’s hitting .279 with a .774 OPS and 25 RBI this year.

Martinez gave up nine hits, walked two and struck out five. He fell to 12-4 with the loss. Martinez entered play Tuesday with a 2.74 ERA despite a 4.54 xFIP. He’s out-pitched his xFIP for most of his career, but not by that much. Martinez now has a 3.05 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Orioles on the road on Sunday.

Soriano gave up nine hits, walked none and struck out two. He improved to 10-6 with the win. Soriano was able to get by while allowing nine hits because all of the hits were singles, he didn’t walk a single batter and he was able to pitch out of jams. He has a 3.23 ERA. Soriano is lined up to face the Yankees on the road on Sunday.

Callahan’s home run was the first of his major league career. He hit a solo shot off Braxton Ashcraft in the fifth inning. Callahan is 4-for-9 (.444) with a home run and five RBI in the first three games of his career. As long as his bat stays hot, he’ll continue to see regular playing time against right-handed pitching until Riley Greene (hamstring) returns.

Mesa has been battling a lingering hamstring issue, which caused him to miss three games earlier this week. It sounds like he could wind up requiring a trip to the injured list since he lasted just four innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in his return to Tampa Bay’s lineup.

Cruz’ home run was his 15th of the year. He hit a two-run shot off Keider Montero in the fifth inning. Cruz was playing in his first game since suffering a hand injury on June 7. He’s hitting .265 with an .832 OPS and 46 RBI this year.

Montgomery allowed no runs while recording two strikeouts in the ninth inning. It was a dominant performance that earned him his fifth save of the year. Montgomery has two saves in the last five days, but only three total in August so far.