The Red Sox and Cubs will play a doubleheader Friday amid uncertainty over a possible nor’easter in Boston this weekend. A league source said MLB did not intend to move the series; manager Chad Tracy said the storm could also miss the area.
Garrett Crochet was not expected to pitch in a regular-season game before the playoffs. During his recovery, he faced live hitter Ceddanne Rafaela for the first time, throwing 16 pitches and reaching 94–96 mph with his fastball. Crochet said he felt good and believed he could get outs, but left any role to the team.
Tracy was named the Red Sox’s permanent manager the previous day, with at least three years remaining on his deal. He said the announcement, made in front of players he had grown close to, made him emotional. Reliever Erik Miller is struggling to throw strikes and said he is continuing to pitch in games while working on his mechanics.
