The Boston Red Sox have lost seven consecutive games, and are in danger of dropping out of the chase for the postseason.
As Aroldis Chapman blew a 102 MPH fastball by Sam Travis to close out a 6-4 victory for the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox tied a mark set in 2018 with their 54th loss on the season. However, last year, that number was met over the full 162 game season, as the Red Sox were 108-54 on the year en route to winning the World Series.
That defeat also marked the Red Sox seventh loss in a row, leaving them in danger of missing out on the postseason. While there is still a lot of baseball left to be played, the Red Sox find themselves 13.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East, and 5.5 games behind the Rays for the second Wild Card spot.
Although these losses began prior to the trade deadline, one has to wonder how much the Red Sox lack of action is affecting the squad. The team has seemed lethargic at times, going through the motions as the season is being played out. At other times, frustrations have boiled over, such as when Chris Sale and Alex Cora were ejected during Game One of Saturday’s double header.
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Even the player’s only meeting called between games did not matter. The Red Sox bullpen woes reared their head in the nightcap, as the Yankees rallied against Matt Barnes to break a 4-4 tie. The Red Sox did attempt to mount a rally, but Zack Britton was able to escape a bases loaded jam without allowing a run.
It is fitting that this latest loss falls on the bullpen. For the Red Sox to have a chance, they needed to upgrade their relief corps. Instead, the Red Sox stood pat at the deadline, hoping that their plan to turn Nathan Eovaldi into a closer would be enough.
That inaction may have also sent a message to the Red Sox roster. While it could be said that the front office believes in the talent presently on the field, the opposite could be thought as well. The players may feel that the front office does not think they are good enough, and therefore not worth spending resources on improvements.
Whatever the reason, the Boston Red Sox are in free fall mode right now. Unless something changes quickly, they may find themselves outside of the postseason picture.