Fort Myers, FL – Venezuelan left-hander Ranger Suárez made his debut for the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, pitching 1.2 innings in a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. While the highly anticipated start was intended to showcase the Red Sox’s significant offseason acquisition, Suárez’s performance did not extend as planned, ending with 33 pitches thrown – 22 for strikes – and two earned runs allowed.
Suárez, who signed a five-year, $130 million contract with Boston in January after two successful seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, encountered immediate challenges. After inducing a flyout from Wilyer Abreu to begin the second inning, he allowed a single to Nick Gonzales and then hit Horwitz with a pitch. He managed to escape further damage by inducing a double play from Yorke, but required 17 pitches to do so.
The second inning proved to be Suárez’s last of the day. He recorded one out before surrendering a double to Endy Rodríguez and then a two-run home run to Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh’s top prospect. Suárez then struck out fellow Venezuelan Jhostynxon García to end his outing.
Several other Venezuelan players participated in the game. Willson Contreras went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, marking his first home run of the spring training season for the Red Sox. Wilyer Abreu also went 1-for-3. Griffin, who came to the Pirates organization from Boston, finished the day 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
The game also featured a strong offensive showing from the Pirates, ultimately defeating the Red Sox 16-7. The Red Sox lineup included projected Opening Day starters such as Roman Anthony, Trevor Story, and Jarren Duran. Marcelo Mayer, recovering from wrist surgery, was not in the lineup but is expected to make his spring debut soon.
The Red Sox will continue spring training with upcoming games scheduled against other Major League Baseball teams, as they prepare for the start of the regular season.
