By Tom Verducci
Boston manager Alex Cora learned from his experience last year as bench coach of the Houston Astros how to prepare for the postseason. He remembered how the Astros sat down with Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander in September to explain how they would “taper” their innings.
“Dallas just goes, ‘Okay,’” Cora said, “and Verlander goes, ‘That’s okay, but in my last start I’m going seven innings and throwing 120 pitches.’ He knew how to get himself ready.”
Verlander tuned up for October with an 11-strikeout, 110-pitch gem.
Now Cora is hoping the same preparation works in Boston with Chris Sale and David Price, who will start Games 1 and 2 of the American League Division Series against the wild card winner.