Evo Relic

I talked about my general feelings on relics (and I feel the same generally about autographs) a few weeks back.  I generally like to have one from each player available, though it is by no means a requirement.  That brings me to this card:

Nathan Eovaldi was Boston's big acquisition at the trading deadline in 2018, coming over from Tampa Bay in exchange for Jalen Beeks.  He was decent enough in 12 games (11 starts), going 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA and 48 strikeouts versus just 12 walks in 54 innings. 

It was his performance in the postseason however, that made the deal worthwhile.  Eovaldi appeared in six games, starting one game in the ALDS and ALCS each and then appearing out of the bullpen in the others.  He won Game 3 of the ALDS, which was the big 16-1 blowout over the Yankees, by pitching seven innings and giving up just five hits and a run while notching five strikeouts.  He also won Game 3 of the ALCS against the Astros with a similar pitching line.  He also threw 1.1 innings in Game 5, the clinching game. 

In the World Series, Eovaldi pitched in three games, throwing an inning in Games 1 and 2.  In Game 3, he pitched six innings in extra innings, ultimately taking the loss, but keeping the other relievers available for the upcoming games.  It was a losing, yet heroic effort. 

It was Eovaldi's postseason performance that led to a lucrative free agent contract.  Unfortunately injuries reared their ugly head again and he pitched in just 23 games (12 starts).  He was 2-1 with a 5.99 ERA, striking out 70 and walking 35 in 67.2 innings.

Eovaldi is signed through 2022.