The final Yankees-Red Sox series of the regular season promises an intriguing storyline. Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck was scratched from his scheduled start tonight against the Yankees due to lingering shoulder soreness following his last outing nine days ago. In his place, Richard Fitts, who was traded to the Red Sox by the Yankees as part of the deal for Alex Verdugo, will take the mound for his second MLB start.
Yankees to face former prospect Richard Fitts in surprising return to Yankee Stadium
Fitts’ journey to Yankee Stadium has been a whirlwind. Just six days ago, Worcester manager Chad Tracy informed the 24-year-old that he was being called up to Boston instead of starting for the WooSox. On Sunday, Fitts made his Major League debut, and now, he’s returning to the Bronx—though under very different circumstances than he once imagined.
Last year, Fitts was a standout pitcher for the Yankees‘ Double-A affiliate, Somerset, hoping to eventually make it to the Bronx. Now, he’s suiting up for the Red Sox in enemy territory. Despite the change, Fitts is taking it all in stride.
“I’m just happy to be in the stadium. It’s my first time,” Fitts told the Boston Herald on Thursday. “It was really cool just to see it because this is where I did dream of playing, and it’s still a place that I dream of playing because it is the big leagues.”
The intensity of joining baseball’s most storied rivalry isn’t lost on him either. “As far as baseball goes, I don’t think there’s anything that goes as hard as Yankees versus Red Sox,” Fitts said. “I’m here because of what the Yankees were able to give to me. And I can’t be more thankful for what the Red Sox are doing for me now.”
Fitts is expected to pitch at some point during this four-game series, whether starting or coming out of the bullpen. The chance to face Alex Verdugo, who was traded for him, adds another layer to this matchup. “That’d be really cool,” Fitts said. “That’s what baseball is all about, the brotherhood and also rivalries.”
Though Fitts might spend most of the series on the sidelines, he’s especially looking forward to Saturday when Yankees ace Gerrit Cole takes the mound. “I’m pumped up,” Fitts said. “But it gives me PTSD from some of the guys that I’ve faced in the past, where I just can’t get ‘em out.”
Despite the unpredictability of his journey, Fitts is embracing every moment of his new adventure. “I’m here to do whatever they need me to do,” he said. “Even if that means being booed by Yankees fans.”
Up next
The Yankees, who won Thursday’s series opener 2-1, will face Fitts and the Red Sox tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.
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