Dodgers Player Avoided Disastrous Mistake on Game-Winning Run Off of Phillies Error
The bottom of the 11th inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series between the Phillies and Dodgers will be remembered largely for one reason: Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering's throwing error that led to the winning run scoring in the form of Hyeseong Kim, ending Philadelphia's season and sending Los Angeles to the National League Championship Series for the second straight year.
But it very nearly could have been remembered for a different sort of mistake, one that was quickly remediated despite being missed in all of the end-of-game chaos.
In his haste to hurry home and score the winning run, Kim seemingly failed to touch home plate.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Kim quickly realized what had occurred and, after Kerkering's throw sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto's head to the backstop, doubled back to touch home plate.
It was another what-if moment in an eventful inning filled with them.
Veteran Red Sox Reliever Elects Free Agency After Injury-Plagued Season
The Boston Red Sox lost some of their organizational pitching depth on Thursday when veteran relief pitcher Nick Burdi elected free agency.
Burdi, 32, joined the Red Sox in 2025 and spent most of the season at Triple-A Worcester, where he went 4-0 with a 2.83 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35 innings over 31 appearances. He also closed a bit for Worcester, finishing 15 games and notching five saves.
The right-hander saw some action in the Major Leagues as well, making four appearances for Boston from May 16 to June 2. He did not allow a run in those outings, finishing the year with a 0.00 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.
The Red Sox were the fourth Major League team that Burdi has pitched for along with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2014, he debuted with the Pirates in 2018 and pitched three seasons there.
Burdi signed with the San Diego Padres after the 2020 season but missed the entire 2021 and 2022 campaigns after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. He returned with the Cubs in 2023 and pitched for the Yankees in 2024 before signing a Minor League deal with Boston in February.
While he did not make the team out of camp, Burdi earned a promotion in mid-May with the Red Sox struggling to find their footing. Unfortunately, his season was derailed by injuries, as he suffered a foot injury in June before sustaining a hip injury as well, sending him to the 60-day injured list and knocking him off the 40-man roster.
Burdi was outrighted to Worcester in mid-August and did not return to Boston before the end of the season.
Given the crowded nature of the Red Sox’s pitching staff, Burdi will seek a role elsewhere this offseason. Since he already has more than three years of Major League service team, he was able to choose Minor League free agency.
In 30 1/3 career MLB innings, he’s 3-2 with a 5.34 ERA, a 1.65 WHIP, 44 strikeouts and 21 walks.
