Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros: 3 X-factors to watch in ALCS
By Kevin Henry
The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros are set to begin the 2021 American League Championship Series on Friday night at Minute Maid Park, with the winner representing the AL in the World Series.
In what is expected to be a high-octane series between two franchises that have represented the AL in three of the last four World Series, let’s take a look at three players who could make a big difference in the matchup after scuffling some in the ALDS round.
Let’s look at 3 interesting players who could be X-factors in the ALCS between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros
We start on the mound with Boston starting pitcher Chris Sale, who was absolutely hammered by the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS. The 32-year-old southpaw lasted just one inning in his only appearance against the Rays, giving up five hits on four runs and also walking a batter.
The big question is how the Red Sox will use Sale in the ALCS. It is not a question of if, according to Boston manager Joey Cora, who adamantly defended his starting pitcher after the Game 2 loss in St. Petersburg.
"“Hey man, we count on this guy,” Cora said postgame. “He is going to be a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish and we’ll get him right. We’ll get him right.”"
Sale returned to the mound in August after Tommy John surgery and was solid for the Red Sox in his nine starts the rest of the way, striking out 52 in 42.2 innings of work and posting a 3.16 ERA and 3.69 FIP. However, the Sale who took the mound in the ALDS looked nothing like the one from the postseason.
Command looked to be Sale’s biggest problem against the Rays. If he can bounce back against Houston, it will be a big plus for the Red Sox.