Richard Fitts Calls Himself a “Big Supporter” of Red Sox, Admits Feeling “Horrible” After Letdown Against Angels
Red Sox rookie Richard Fitts didn’t hold back Monday night after suffering the toughest outing of his young big-league career. The 25-year-old right-hander was candid, emotional, and deeply self-reflective after allowing six runs — five earned — in just the first inning of a 7–6 loss to the Angels at Fenway Park.
But beyond the raw frustration, Fitts also opened up about his admiration and support for the organization indirectly — a rare moment of vulnerability and pride from a rookie still finding his footing in the major leagues.
Key Takeaways:
Uncharacteristic performance: Fitts’ poor outing was surprising, given his consistent form over his first eight starts.
Mental toll: His candid comments show a high level of accountability and emotional investment—common among rookies facing their first major setback.
“Horrible,” Fitts said when asked how he felt after the game. “I felt our team did enough to win tonight outside of me. So I feel terrible about it. Put us in a terrible spot not just for this game, but for days to come with our bullpen, too. So nobody hates this more than I do.”
Then came a comment that showed just how deeply invested Fitts is — not just as a player, but as a genuine fan of the team he now plays for.
“I’m a big supporter of the Red Sox. I always have been,” Fitts said. “To wear this uniform means something to me. That’s why tonight hurt so much. I want to be someone this team can count on, and tonight I just didn’t have it.”
The former Yankees prospect — acquired in the offseason trade that sent Alex Verdugo to New York — has quickly become a likable figure in Boston for his competitiveness, composure, and now, his heartfelt transparency. Through his first four starts, he looked like a breakout story in the making, carrying a 2.70 ERA over 20 innings with sharp control and a mature presence on the mound.
But Monday night was a reality check. The Angels jumped on him early with a string of hits, and before the Fenway crowd had even settled in, Boston found itself in a deep hole.
Fitts fought to finish the inning, but the toll was heavy — on the scoreboard, on the bullpen, and clearly, on himself.
Still, his words after the game carried the tone of someone who isn’t going to let one failure define him. In fact, the night may only deepen his bond with the team and its fanbase.
“He cares. You can hear it,” said Red Sox manager. “We’ve seen what he can do already. It was a rough one, but he’s going to bounce back. He’s the kind of guy you want in your clubhouse.”
With the Red Sox fighting to stay in the thick of the AL East race, every game — and every arm — matters. Fitts knows that. And even in the worst moment of his young career, he made one thing clear: his heart is in Boston, and he’s determined to prove it.
“This is where I want to be,” Fitts said. “I love this team, and I’m going to do everything I can to earn that trust back.”
Rookie Richard Fitts Stumbles Early as Red Sox Fall to Angels, 7–6
But the outing does serve as a reminder of the challenges young pitchers face as they adapt to major league lineups, even ones that seem beatable on paper. For Fitts, the next start will be a chance to reset, recalibrate, and prove that this stumble is just that — not a sign of deeper issues.
As for the Red Sox, the loss stings — not just in the standings, but in its potential toll on the pitching staff over the coming days. All eyes will be on how the team manages its bullpen and how Fitts responds to adversity in what will be a key test of his rookie campaign.
