The Boston Red Sox were defeated by the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Thursday night at Tropicana Field to secure the series loss.
Boston’s offense was anemic again, as Tampa Bay’s arms, including starting pitcher Zack Littell, who tossed seven innings of one-hit ball, shut them down.
Littell’s name may sound familiar to Red Sox fans, as Boston sent cash to the Texas Rangers for his services in 2023. He appeared in just two games for Alex Cora’s team, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks before being designated for assignment.
Tampa Bay claimed him off waivers, and he’s posted a 3.70 ERA and a 1.207 WHIP while striking out 7.8 batters per nine innings as both a starter and reliever.
Littell is another example in a recent trend of pitchers that the Red Sox gave up on and have found success with the Rays.
Tampa Bay made Jeffrey Springs, who had a 7.08 ERA in 16 appearances for Boston, into a reliable pitcher. He’s posted a 2.63 ERA in 86 games over four seasons now with the Rays.