What you need to know about the upcoming Worcester Red Sox 12-game homestand at Polar Park
WORCESTER — The sun is not (currently) on the radar at Polar Park over the next two weeks.
But baseball certainly is coming.
The WooSox, winners of six of their last seven home games, return to the Canal District on Tuesday to open a 12-game homestand.
Like the weather, the schedule may prove to be a little rugged for the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox as Worcester welcomes first-place Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA-Yankees) this week before hosting defending International League champion Norfolk (AAA-Orioles) next week.
WooSox fans may recognize a few former faces now playing with the RailRiders in infielder Jeter Downs, outfielder Greg Allen and right-handed pitcher Oddanier Mosqueda. And an opposing player fans may want to familiarize themselves with is Jackson Holliday, who is one of baseball’s top prospects and a Tides infielder.
As for the home team, Worcester added pitcher Josh Winckowski to its rotation this week. Winckowski was optioned from Boston to make room for former WooSox pitcher Brayan Bello with the Red Sox.
Winckowski, 25, owns a 3.33 ERA in 12 games, including a 1.69 ERA in three starts. The right-hander last pitched on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, tossing a scoreless inning in relief.
Also joining the WooSox this week, at least for one day, is pitcher Garrett Whitlock.
The right-hander is expected to make a rehab start Wednesday morning in Worcester. Whitlock has been on the Red Sox injured list since April 17 with a left oblique strain. The 27-year-old is 1-0 with a 1.96 ERA in four starts for Boston this season.
One other new WooSox pitcher of note is Ryan Zeferjahn.
After being promoted from Double-A Portland last Tuesday, the hard-throwing right-hander earned his first Triple-A save Saturday. Zeferjahn recorded the final six outs of the game by giving up no hits, walking one and striking out three.
Zeferjahn ended the 4-1 win over the Buffalo Bisons by starting an agile 1-6-3 double play that made the rounds on social media.
They told us Ryan Zeferjahn threw gas (correct), but nobody said he had this in his bag...
Check out this behind-the-back snag to start a game-ending double play 🤯
Many are calling it @SportsCenter Top 10 worthy (@ESPNAssignDesk) pic.twitter.com/H7MyNVjIVi— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) May 11, 2024
Here’s the promotional schedule for this week’s games at Polar Park:
Tuesday (6:05 p.m.)
Park for FREE at one of three City Lots: 25 Madison St. (across from Coney Island), McGrath Lot (next to the Worcester Public Library), or Union Station Garage; Taco & Tequila Tuesday presented by Patron; Holden Town Takeover.
Wednesday (11:15 a.m.)
First Responders Wednesday, presented by National Grid; School Field Trip Day (only Polar Park morning start time of season); Player Autograph Wednesday as two WooSox players will sign autographs for fans after the game.
Thursday (6:05 p.m.)
Nurses Appreciation Night, presented by SALMON Health & Retirement.
Friday (6:05 p.m.)
UniBank Fireworks set to the music of Classic Rock; Natick Town Takeover.
Saturday (4:05 p.m.)
The Great Polar Park Writers Series featuring author Ben Bradlee Jr. (1-2 p.m. in DCU Club); Military Appreciation Day; Sunset Catch on the Field after the game; Girl Scout Sleepover.
Sunday (1:05 p.m.)
Breast Cancer Awareness Day; Fallon Health Sunday Funday; Kids Run the Bases presented by Fallon Health.
—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Red Sox prepare to host 12-game homestand at Polar Park
