#bullpen

#bullpen

They still need help there (as evidenced by AA stating that that would be one of the positions "in the discussion" for improvement during this offseason) but at least they won't have to look far when it comes to finding some initial help. Kinley's initial stint with the Braves went about as well as everybody could've hoped for and again, bringing him back on the club option should really be a no-brainer.

The Marlins' 2025 season marked a step forward. The rebuilding Miami club finished just four games under .500, thanks largely to a 56-50 record from June 1 onward. The Fish went 14-11 in September and won 13 of their final 17 contests. A fair portion of those wins came against last-place teams in Washington and Colorado, but Miami also won series against the Tigers and Mets, swept the Rangers and won a pair of games against the Phillies during that blistering finish.

The Guardians have transformed into some kind of unkillable movie monster. They just cannot be stopped. The good thing for the Red Sox, though, is that they don't need to worry about the Guards if they keep winning. With the non-Crochet portion of the rotation looking shaky, last night felt like a must-win and the Sox got it done, even if Crochet didn't quite look like his best and the bullpen made it hairy at the end.

It wasn't the news the Blue Jays were hoping to get regarding someone they considered to be a key piece to the back end of the rotation. The 35-year-old right hander had produced solid numbers in his 22 appearances for the 2025 Blue Jays. He posted a 3.86 ERA in 21 innings pitched. He gave up just 13 hits, while striking out 25 hitters. He produced a 1.190 WHIP and hitters only managed a .224 BABIP against him.

The offense had only put up 5 hits all game and had failed to bring runners home in the top of the eighth, when Wong and Hamilton were on the corners with no outs. But the Red Sox really like the top of the ninth on the road right now, and Ceddanne Rafaela, in a moment of redemption and glory, smacked a two-run home run to left field and put the Sox back on top.

Payton Tolle, selected in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, has been promoted multiple times this season. Starting his year at High-A Greenville, the 22-year-old left-hander has made his way up to Triple-A Worcester. In his last two starts for the WooSox, Tolle has allowed just one run in 10 innings, notching 14 strikeouts. Could he earn a further promotion: This time to Boston?