Red Sox' Richard Fitts strong in short notice start vs. Yankees

Fitts only struck out two batters, but also only gave up two hits in his second career MLB start.

The Red Sox turned to Richard Fitts to start just an hour before first pitch, but the young arm performed well on short notice. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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Richard Fitts made his MLB debut on Sept. 8 against the Chicago White Sox. He was called upon again on Friday night, this time on much shorter notice.

Approximately one hour before the first pitch of Friday’s game, Boston announced that projected starter Tanner Houck was scratched from the lineup due to right shoulder fatigue.

That led to Fitts, who was acquired by the Red Sox from the Yankees in a trade that sent outfielder Alex Verdugo to New York, to fill in and start against his former ball club.

Fitts showed plenty of promise in his second career start. Despite walking three batters and only striking out two, Fitts held the Yankees to two hits and didn’t allow any runs through his five innings of work.

Fitts is the fourth Red Sox pitcher to not allow an earned run in each of their first two starts while pitching five or more innings on both occasions. The most recent Boston arm to accomplish the feat was Houck.

Unfortunately for Fitts, his positive performance wasn’t mirrored by Boston’s bullpen. After gaining a 4-0 lead in the top of the seventh inning, Red Sox relievers allowed five runs in the bottom of the seventh frame, and lost 5-4 in New York.

Zack Kelly, who gave up three earned runs and was the primary reason for the Red Sox’ blown lead, was optioned to Triple-A Worcester immediately following the game, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

As for Houck, Alex Cora didn’t seem overly concerned about the All-Star pitcher’s status when discussing the decision to scratch him.

“We did some testing, and the shoulder is weaker than yesterday,” Cora told reporters. “We don’t feel like this is going to take longer … this guy is very important for us, not only for now, but for the future. And for him to go out the way he was, we were going to pay the consequences after that one.”

Houck started the season strong and earned his first career All-Star nod, but slumped coming out of the midseason break, as many of Boston’s players have.

Friday’s loss drops the Red Sox back down to .500 (74-74); Boston is now five games back from the final American League wild card spot.