Morning Sports Update
“I come in and blow it. It sucks.”
Red Sox relief pitcher Greg Weissert throws his glove after being taken out of the May 7 loss to the Rays. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
May 8, 2026 | 10:47 AM
3 minutes to read
Red Sox pitcher’s honest analysis: After posting a 2.97 ERA in his first two seasons as a Red Sox reliever, Greg Weissert has experienced a reversal of fortune so far in 2026.
The 31-year-old right-hander has posted a much higher 5.52 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched so far this season. Of his 17 appearances out of the bullpen, Weissert has squandered leads or tie games four times, and has allowed seven of 14 inherited runners to score.
Thursday’s 8-4 loss to the Rays was the latest example. Entering the game in the sixth inning with one out and one on in a 3-3 game, Weissert struggled yet again. He allowed a single, a walk, and then a second single that plated two runs. The Rays took the lead and never relinquished it.
“It’s no secret: I’m pitching like [expletive],” Weissert acknowledged to reporters. “[Jake] Bennett kept us in the game after the three-spot and once again I come in and blow it. It sucks.”
Given Weissert’s overall record of success as a Boston reliever since arriving from the Yankees in 2023 as part of the Alex Verdugo trade, the team will likely maintain a level of patience despite the short-term issues.
“I know he’s frustrated. He likes to go out and have a clean inning,” interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said of Weissert. Still, he expressed confidence in a pitcher who — given some of the other questions around the current setup of the bullpen — could continue to play an important role.
“I think he’ll be fine,” Tracy said of Weissert.
Trivia: While Red Sox-Yankees trades have become slightly more common in the last decade, they are still historically fairly rare. With that in mind, can you name the player who the Red Sox acquired from the Yankees in a 1986 trade that sent Mike Easler to New York?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was AL MVP in 1979 with the Angels, and later won NL Manager of the Year with the Rockies in 1995.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Rays 8-4 on Thursday. The two teams play again this evening at Fenway Park at 7:10 p.m.
Tonight, the Fleet face the Charge in Ottawa in Game 3 of their PWHL playoff semi-final series. The best-of-five matchup is tied 1-1.
Legacy FC face Gotham FC on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey at 6:30 p.m.
The Revolution host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Scott Zolak makes a discovery: The voice of the Patriots belatedly found out the meaning behind the song “Your Love” by The Outfield (which is frequently played at New England games).
Zolak learns what “Josie” is really about…@ZoandBertrand pic.twitter.com/d2lRKQsgh2
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) May 7, 2026
A goal fit for a (future) king: Prince William was spotted celebrating like a regular fan during Aston Villa’s Europa League semi-final win over Nottingham Forest on Thursday. Villa won 4-0, and advanced to the final where they will face SC Freiburg on May 20.
‘Arise Sir Emi’ 😅
Prince William thoroughly enjoyed Buendia’s goal 🙌
📺 TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/cX1DAvpmoC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 7, 2026
On this day: In 2019, Jackie Bradley Jr. made a game-saving home run robbery in the bottom of the 11th. The Red Sox went on to defeat the Orioles 2-1 thanks to an Andrew Benintendi home run in the 12th.
Daily highlight: Speaking of the Aston Villa game, here’s the team’s first goal (resulting from some quality dribbling via Emiliano Buendia).
ASTON VILLA LEVEL THE TIE! 💥
Emiliano Buendía weaves through defenders before Ollie Watkins finishes it off ✨ pic.twitter.com/VMpMffc4OQ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 7, 2026
Trivia answer: Don Baylor
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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