TORONTO — A miserable season for the Boston Red Sox is taking an upturn.
By scoring eight runs in the first inning Thursday, mostly against rookie left-hander Matt Boyd, the Red Sox were able to absorb a mediocre effort from their own starter, left-hander Wade Miley, to win 12-6 over the Toronto Blue Jays.
It was Boston’s 81st game of the season — the halfway point — and after a 5-2 road trip, the Red Sox equaled their unimpressive mark after 81 games last season, 37-44.
The winning trip — two of three at Tampa Bay and three of four at Toronto — helped the club’s frame of mind.
“Without a doubt,” manager John Farrell said. “And a trip that we needed to claw our way back to within six (games of the lead in the American League East).
“Granted, we’re not looking at the scoreboard every night but, at the same time, the way we had gone through the first 2 1/2 months of the season in the division, to go 5-2 was certainly timely, and we go back home with a little momentum.”
The Red Sox were set to open a three-game series Friday night with the Houston Astros, who lead the American League West.
“We’re hopeful that it does continue,” Farrell said. “We’ve been able to go through this stretch here with solid starting pitching. Tonight was a little bit shaky, but Wade (Miley) kept it together good enough. Our starters have been able to allow our offense to get on the board early and keep things in check.”
Well, not quite on Thursday. The Red Sox scored eight runs before Miley pitched, and then he gave back half of the lead in the second inning.
Fortunately for Boston, the Blue Jays stranded 14 runners on the night.
“Wade turned in what I would consider a blue-collar night,” Farrell said. “He didn’t have much command, anywhere consistent to where he’s been, but found a way to make some big pitches.”
Hanigan back in lineup
Catcher Ryan Hanigan went 0-for-4 with a walk Thursday night after being activated from the disabled list. He was in the lineup for the first time since May 1, as he was subsequently sidelined due to a fractured right hand. RHP Jonathan Aro was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for him on the 25-man roster. The moves leave the Red Sox with three catchers, including Blake Swihart, who has options remaining, and Sandy Leon, who is out of options. The situation does not figure to last long with OF Shane Victorino (left calf strain) likely to return from the disabled list Friday.
RHP Jonathan Aro was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday when the Red Sox activated C Ryan Hanigan the disabled list. Aro was 0-0 with an 11.57 ERA in 4 2/3 innings over three appearances with Boston.
NOTES: OF/1B Daniel Nava began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday night, going 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. He has been out since late May due to a left thumb strain.