Cora has kept Red Sox fresh, but injuries are taking a toll

The Red Sox opted to get the second half of the season off to an early start.

It was Seattle closer Edwin Diaz coming out of the American League bullpen in the ninth inning Tuesday night at Nationals Park, attempting to wrap up the All-Star Game. Toronto left-hander J.A. Happ followed in the 10th, picking up the slack in the lone extra frame after Diaz blew the save. The 8-6 victory came without using Boston closer Craig Kimbrel, who looked on calmly from his perch just above the [...]

The Red Sox opted to get the second half of the season off to an early start.

It was Seattle closer Edwin Diaz coming out of the American League bullpen in the ninth inning Tuesday night at Nationals Park, attempting to wrap up the All-Star Game. Toronto left-hander J.A. Happ followed in the 10th, picking up the slack in the lone extra frame after Diaz blew the save. The 8-6 victory came without using Boston closer Craig Kimbrel, who looked on calmly from his perch just above the left-field wall.

Kimbrel worked back-to-back days on Wednesday and Thursday and did the same on Saturday and Sunday, pitching in four victories over the Rangers and Blue Jays. Tuesday would have marked his fifth time on the mound in seven days, a postseason-type of demand that would be better saved for October. That’s certainly where the Red Sox plan to finish their season, one that resumes Friday in a three-game series at the Tigers.

“If you get through August and get into September, that’s when the anxiousness starts,” Boston slugger J.D. Martinez said. “Now you know the playoffs are right around the corner. It’s the time where you’re constantly looking at the scoreboard and checking out the scores. It’ll be fun.”

A direct line could be drawn between Tuesday’s pitcher usage — or lack thereof — and the relationship between Boston manager Alex Cora and A.L. manager A.J. Hinch. Cora served as Hinch’s bench coach for the World Series champion Astros last season, and it was clear Cora had communicated with Hinch regarding the availability of the two Red Sox pitchers on the A.L. staff. Chris Sale’s history-making third straight start for the A.L. lasted just one inning and nine pitches, including six fastballs at 99 mph or better.

“It’s what we signed up for,” Sale said. “This is when the most exciting baseball happens. We’ll just keep our foot on the gas pedal and keep grinding and, hopefully, keep winning games.”

Cora has made a point of shortening pitch counts — Sale’s in particular — and giving his position players regular days off regardless of recent wins or losses. Those two philosophies could be pushed a bit due to a sudden rash of injuries and the potential for a race to the A.L. East division finish with the rival Yankees. Boston carried a 4½-game lead over New York into the break but suddenly appears a bit short in some key areas, particularly in the starting rotation.

“You’ve got to ask them how they feel,” Cora said prior to Saturday’s 6-2, 10-inning victory over Toronto. “Sometimes you try to do it and there are certain times the roster won’t let you. I think overall, going into the break, they’re healthy.”

This was before Eduardo Rodriguez (right ankle) was forced out due to injury, his 19-inning scoreless string on hold for what looks like an extended period. Drew Pomeranz (left biceps tendinitis) made a fourth rehab start for Pawtucket on Wednesday and Steven Wright (left knee inflammation) is still ailing. How the Red Sox buy time at the back end of the rotation is critical, with Boston hoping to keep its relievers ready for the stretch run.

Third baseman Rafael Devers (left shoulder inflammation) is expected to return during the series at Detroit, answering one lineup question going forward. Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez continue to deputize at second base for the absent Dustin Pedroia (left knee inflammation), a situation that doesn’t appear any closer to a resolution. Blake Swihart will spell Sandy Leon behind the plate, the seemingly surplus piece welcomed in from the cold after Christian Vazquez (fractured right pinkie) underwent surgery last week.

The trade deadline also falls within the next two weeks, and it will be interesting to see if Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski opts to strengthen the club. Boston is thin on prospects and perilously close to the final $237-million luxury tax threshold, circumstances that suggest either a significant deal from the Red Sox front office or none at all. Dropping 10 spots in the 2019 draft and paying out heavy financial penalties to Major League Baseball hardly seems worth the price of adding a depth piece who will pitch the sixth inning or serve as an extra bat off the bench.

— bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25