The Red Sox fell to the Mariners 9-4 on June 17, 2025, as Garrett Whitlock struggled on the mound. Rafael Devers homered, but can Boston's pitching recover?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights in the Pacific Northwest where things just never quite clicked. The Red Sox fell to the Seattle Mariners 9-4 on Tuesday, dropping to a precarious 37-36 on the season. A rough start on the mound put Boston in an early hole they couldn't dig out of, highlighting the thin margins this team is working with as they navigate a tough stretch of the schedule.
Rafael Devers was a lone bright spot, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in the losing effort.
The game script felt familiar and frustrating. Starter Garrett Whitlock couldn't find his rhythm, getting tagged for six earned runs in just 4.1 innings as the Mariners jumped on him early and never let up. While the offense tried to claw back, led by another strong performance from Rafael Devers who launched a two-run homer, it wasn't nearly enough. The bullpen couldn't stem the tide either, allowing Seattle to add three more insurance runs. A late rally attempt fizzled out, leaving the Sox with a tough series-opening loss and a 15-19 record on the road.
Nights like this make the injured list feel even longer. The good news? Help is on the way. Reliever Nick Burdi, on a rehab assignment in Worcester, could be activated as soon as Wednesday, providing a much-needed fresh arm for the bullpen. Outfielder Wilyer Abreu is also nearing his return from an oblique strain and is expected to rejoin the team for the series in San Francisco this weekend. The news is less immediate for pitchers Liam Hendriks (hip) and Kutter Crawford (knee/wrist), who are both limited to playing catch and aren't projected back until July or later. Still, the imminent return of Burdi and Abreu offers a glimmer of hope.
While fans might be clamoring for a trade to shake things up, the front office remained quiet on Tuesday. No new transactions were announced, suggesting the team is in a holding pattern. Management is likely waiting to see how the roster looks and performs once key players like Abreu and Burdi are back in the fold before making any significant external additions. For now, the solutions will have to come from within.
The sting of this 9-4 loss won't fade overnight, but baseball offers a chance at redemption tomorrow. The Red Sox will look to even the series in Seattle before heading to San Francisco, where they hope to be a healthier, more complete team with the return of Wilyer Abreu. The team is treading water, but with reinforcements on the horizon, the next week could be crucial in setting the tone for the second half of the season.
