The Red Sox fell to the Astros 8-5 on Aug 1, as a bullpen collapse spoiled Steven Matz's return. With the trade deadline looming, what move will Boston make?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of mixed signals at Fenway Park. While the Red Sox welcomed back Steven Matz to the mound, the familiar sting of a bullpen collapse led to an 8-5 loss against the Houston Astros. But the real action might be happening off the field, as a flurry of roster moves and the ticking clock of the trade deadline have all of Red Sox Nation holding its breath for a season-defining transaction.
The Red Sox are now 59-52, and with a bullpen that gave up 4 runs in the final three innings, the need for reinforcement has never been clearer.
Steven Matz's return from the injured list was the main event heading into Friday's game, but the results were shaky. The lefty battled through 4.1 innings, allowing 4 runs in his first start back. While not a disaster, it wasn't the dominant return fans were hoping for. The offense did its part to keep things close, with Jarren Duran launching his 16th homer of the year and Wilyer Abreu smacking a key two-run double. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't protect a tight game. The unit crumbled late, surrendering four runs over the final three frames as Jose Altuve's four-hit night paced the relentless Astros attack.
The activation of Matz was the official news, but the corresponding moves tell a deeper story. To make room, lefty Brennan Bernardino was optioned to Triple-A Worcester. This move, coupled with the recent demotion of rookie pitcher Richard Fitts and the signing of a new catcher, strongly suggests the front office is clearing roster space and positioning itself for a significant trade. While no deal was announced today, the writing is on the wall: the Red Sox are preparing to be active before the deadline passes.
While one arm returns, another is on the way. The Red Sox officially sent reliever Nick Burdi to Worcester to begin a rehab assignment. Sidelined with a forearm strain, Burdi's power arm could be a massive boost to the struggling bullpen upon his return. He's expected to get into some games for the WooSox this weekend, and his progress will be watched closely. A healthy Burdi could feel like a trade deadline acquisition in itself if he can get back to form quickly.
Tonight's loss stings, but the real story isn't the 8-5 final score. It's about the moves yet to be made. With the bullpen showing its cracks and the offense unable to outslug a top contender, the pressure is squarely on the front office. Will they make the bold trade needed to shore up the pitching staff for a playoff push? The next 24-48 hours will be crucial and could very well determine the fate of this 2025 Red Sox season.
