Stock Up, Stock Down: Red Sox, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Astros
By Scott Roche
Stock Down: Boston Red Sox
No team has had more ups and downs early in the season than the Red Sox, but the downs hit an all-time low in the last seven days. They hosted the struggling St. Louis Cardinals and were promptly swept at home, marking the second time this season they’ve been swept at home by an NL Central team after the Pittsburgh Pirates did in the first week in April.
To compound the matters, one night after being swept on Sunday night baseball, the Seattle Mariners put up 10 runs on them in a 10-1 win. Boston rebounded to win the final two games against the Mariners, but their losing streak did not stop them from sliding back into the AL East basement.
Nick Pivetta was given a 4-0 first-inning lead in the second game of the Seattle series Tuesday night, only to give it back in the fourth with four Mariners’ runs. Boston went on to win the game 9-4, but Pivetta’s struggles were enough for Alex Cora, who moved him to the bullpen following the game. After dropping four of six at home, they now hit the road for a nine-game West Coast trip against the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Last place in the AL East is not like being in last place in any other division as all five teams are over .500 and all have a plus-run differential this season. However, as the Red Sox found out, a losing streak can bury you in the standings and make it difficult to work your way out. This trip out West will be a big test for Cora’s team.