BOSTON — “Oh f---.”
The thought flashed instantly through Rick Porcello’s mind as a call came into the home bullpen at Fenway Park that stirred him unexpectedly into action. A starter by trade, the 29-year-old righthander had spent the night watching Game 1 of the Division Series from an unfamiliar spot in rightfield instead of his usual perch in the Red Sox dugout.
There was a chance, he’d been told earlier that day by manager Alex Cora, that he would be needed in relief against the Yankees, so he trudged out to the bullpen in the first inning, ready if needed.