Rick Porcello experienced some ups and downs in his surprising start Friday night. Porcello, who took the mound after David Price went on the disabled list, lasted seven innings, but he allowed four earned runs on two home runs in the Boston Red Sox’s 4-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. It also was his 14th loss of the season, as he’s struggled to return to his 2016 Cy Young form. To hear what Porcello said about his performance and the changes to the Red Sox’s rotation, watch the video from “NESN Sports Today,” presented by People’s United Bank, above. ... NESN.com
Sports
Giancarlo Stanton Smashes Homer, Mocks Jason Grilli One Day After Game-Ending K
Giancarlo Stanton struck out to end the Miami Marlins’ game against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, but he made sure it wasn’t the same story for the series finale. Rangers reliever Jason Grilli got Stanton to swing at an 82-mph slider Tuesday to seal the Rangers 10-4 win and celebrated with some pretty emphatic fist pumping. The Marlins outfielder wouldn’t be outdone, though, as he launched a towering solo shot — StatCast measured it at 468 feet — off Grilli in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s contest and took a moment to mock the 40-year-old right-hander’s celebration. The homer was Stanton’s 33rd of the year and his 12th(!) in July.NESN.com
NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Blocking Kyrie Irving’s Path To Knicks
Kyrie Irving would like to “come home,” that much as been made clear. But Carmelo Anthony could be keeping the star guard from his desired destination. The Cleveland Cavaliers star reportedly requested to be traded in order to get out of LeBron James’ shadow, and one of his preferred destinations is the New York Knicks. But any deal with the Knicks almost certainly would involve Anthony, and the 33-year-old star has another idea in mind. ESPN’s Ian Begley reported Wednesday, citing league sources, that Irving being sent to the Knicks is “unlikely” because Anthony is set on joining the Houston Rockets instead of the Cavs. “He... NESN.com
Chiefs’ Tamba Hali Defends Joe Paterno With Robert Kraft-Aaron Hernandez Question
Tamba Hali had quite a weekend on social media. Not only did the veteran linebacker question whether the Kansas City Chiefs need him anymore after playing limited snaps in his team’s AFC divisional round playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. He also defended former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, who died in 2012 just months after being fired amid the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. Hali, who played at Penn State from 2002 to 2005, started defending Paterno seemingly out of the blue Sunday night, and his defense included references to O.J. Simpson, George Zimmerman, Robert Kraft and Aaron Hernandez. Hali clearly believ... NESN.com
Alex Bowman Loved Celebrating With Dad After He Was Named No. 88 Driver
Alex Bowman currently is in the midst of one of the biggest weeks of his career, and one of his family members has been alongside him for the ride. Bowman told Motorsport.com that he’s really glad his dad has been with him throughout this whirlwind week. The 24-year-old’s life has been pretty chaotic since Thursday, when Hendrick Motorsports announced he will replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the pilot of the No. 88 in 2018. “It’s been a little bit overwhelming but I’m just so thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. A lot of cool stuff happened this week, Bowman said. “I was able to share everything with my dad (Sean Bowman). He was... NESN.com
Torey Krug Impressed By Bruins’ Mix Of Veterans, Promising Young Players
The Boston Bruins kick off the 2017-18 NHL season on Oct. 5 against the defending Western Conference champion Nashville Predators. Bruins defenseman Torey Krug is excited for the upcoming campaign, and one reason why is the team’s exciting mix of talented veterans and promising young players. Check out Sarah Davis’ interview with Krug in the “NESN Sports Today” video above, presented by People’s United Bank. ... NESN.com
Red Sox Notes: Blake Swihart Moving To Infield Due To Lingering Ankle Issues
Times have been tough for Blake Swihart. The Boston Red Sox prospect once appeared destined to be the team’s starting catcher of the future, but his career trajectory has changed quite a bit over the past few years. The Red Sox even tried converting him to the outfield last season, but he suffered an ankle injury while playing left field at Fenway Park that had ailed him ever since. He’s currently back on the Triple-A Pawtucket disabled list due to lingering issues with his ankle, and Red Sox manager John Farrell provided an update on his situation Tuesday while speaking with the media. “He’s been on the DL because of the ankle issue