The Boston Red Sox's franchise record-tying 15-game win streak ended in a familiar way — with a first-inning hole too big to overcome. The Baltimore Orioles racked up four runs on three hits and some extra help from a walk and a wild pitch.
Eduardo Rivera started the game for Boston, but couldn't escape the first frame. Brayan Bello entered after 0.2 innings and collected the final out with ease. After his ugly outing, Boston optioned Rivera to Triple-A, where he's spent most of his season.
Rivera has allowed seven runs on eight hits with 10 strikeouts and six walks over 10 innings in the major leagues. He's been excellent in the minor leagues this season, to the tune of a 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 62 strikeouts and 24 walks over 48 innings between the Sea Dogs and WooSox.
The Red Sox didn't demote Rivera just for his performance on July 22, but because they expect Ranger Suarez to return from the injured list in the coming days. Boston expected to activate Suarez to start against the Orioles on July 21, the game that was rained out. He didn't start either game of the doubleheader the following day due to an illness, but the Red Sox could activate him to start against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 24 or they could wait for his next turn in the rotation.
Red Sox option Eduardo Rivera following ugly start as Boston hunted for its 15th straight win
Some Red Sox fans at Fenway Park and on social media were cruel to Rivera after his start, booing him and posting hurtful comments after they felt he cost Boston its winning streak. Rivera is just 23 years old and pitching in a rotation currently rocked by injuries — he wasn't even supposed to start against the Orioles, as the Red Sox expected Suarez to be healthy.
Rivera is still young and in his MLB debut year, he doesn't deserve to be treated with such vitriol. It is unfortunate that the Red Sox came up just one game short of breaking a franchise record, but they weren't going to win forever. A brutal start could've come for anyone at any time. Rivera just happened to be the guy in the biggest spot.
The Red Sox could end up seeing more of Rivera as the season goes on. Now that Jake Bennett and Payton Tolle have established themselves as key members of the rotation, Boston's minor league pitching depth is thin and Rivera could be called up again to address any injuries that may come up later.
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