It’s been a strange couple of months for Ranger Suarez. He missed a few turns in the rotation back in the middle of July with a groin strain, and even though this will be his fifth start back since that injury, he’s largely faded into the background, even during games he’s pitched. For instance, he was the guy who started on the mound during the 13-inning circus act against the White Sox back on August 6th. He only lasted three innings on an inefficient 70 pitches, and he was largely a footnote by the end of the night.
But as the summertime sunsets start to creep back closer to 8:00pm, we’re getting to that point in the year where the Red Sox are really going to need Ranger Suarez to make an impact. Since coming off the IL, he’s only averaged 70 pitches per start, and on a related note, he also hasn’t received a decision in a game since June. To be clear, Suarez hasn’t been awful when he’s gone out there (he’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last ten starts dating back to the end of May), but he also hasn’t looked like a guy you want at the top of your rotation in October, which we know he’s capable of being.
In other words, tonight is one of those nights that will be an interesting check in to see what he’s got in the tank. With the groin injury a full month in the rearview mirror, he should be able to get to 90 pitches in this one if he’s throwing the ball well.
On the other side of the ball, there’s Merrill Kelly, and if you have no idea what to expect from him tonight, you’re not alone. He’s been Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in his 22 starts this season. In eight starts, he’s allowed five or more earned runs, but in 12 others, he’s allowed two or fewer earned runs. That leaves just two outings in which he’s given up three or four earned runs. A very strange season indeed.
Speaking of strange seasons, Roman Anthony is also about to play baseball for the first time in three months up in Portland for the Sea Dogs as he begins his rehab assignment. He’ll bat second and DH. Adding to the excitement up there will be Justin Gonzales making his Double-A debut and batting leadoff.
Below are the lineups for both games, and a comment thread to discuss all the action.
Today’s Lineups
| DIAMONDBACKS | RED SOX |
|---|---|
| Ildemaro Vargas – 2B | Nick Sogard – 2B |
| Corbin Carroll – RF | Ceddanne Rafaela – CF |
| Gabriel Moreno – DH | Wilyer Abreu – RF |
| Geraldo Perdomo – SS | Willson Contreras – 1B |
| Tim Tawa – 1B | Adley Rutschman – C |
| Jordan Lawlar – CF | Caleb Durbin – 3B |
| James McCann – C | Jarren Duran – LF |
| Jose Fernandez – 3B | Andruw Monasterio – SS |
| Ryan Waldschmidt – LF | Mickey Gasper – DH |
| Merrill Kelly – RHP | Ranger Suarez – LHP |
Red Sox prospect Justin Gonzales leading off in his Double-A debut pic.twitter.com/5cnjpV4d2t
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) August 18, 2026
⚾️ First Pitch: 7:10pm — Fenway Park, Boston, MA
📺 TV: NESN
📻 Radio: WEEI
Join us below in the game thread!