Red Sox Score First With Mickey Gasper Solo Home Run

Mickey Gasper hit a solo home run to center field for the Boston Red Sox, giving them a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, as described by sports.yahoo.com. Gasper has been making an impact for Boston while stepping into a role that opened after Masataka Yoshida was injured, SI.com reported. On Tuesday, Gasper homered in his second straight game as the designated hitter, according to SI.com.

SI.com said Gasper’s first stint with the Red Sox in 2024 included an 0-for-18 stretch at the plate.

SI.com reported that Gasper started strongly after his first call-up from Triple-A earlier this year, but he faded in June and was sent back down. SI.com described Boston’s decision-making earlier this summer as asking Gasper to catch and bat leadoff—roles the outlet called inappropriate.

With Adley Rutschman on the roster, SI.com said Gasper would no longer need to catch, and that should help his batting. SI.com added that the Red Sox tried to use Gasper as an everyday player instead of a platoon option, after which the team’s situation improved when Gasper was replaced by Masataka Yoshida, Anthony Seigler, and Andruw Monasterio.

SI.com reported Gasper went 2-for-2 on Tuesday with two walks against the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to SI.com, Gasper’s slash line versus right-handed pitching was .281/.358/.417. SI.com said that, with a crowded roster, Boston would not necessarily start Gasper ahead of Jahmai Jones if a lefty is on the mound.

SI.com said Trevor Story, Roman Anthony, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa were expected to come off the injured list soon, though Gasper’s production could matter in the meantime.