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MLB Playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Red Sox will make it

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The bullpen has been lights out

Red Sox relievers have a 0.89 ERA in September. I repeat, Red Sox relievers have a 0.89 ERA in September. That’s good.

The middle relief group of Robbie Ross, Matt Barnes, Joe Kelly, Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara have had their ugly moments this season for the Red Sox, but all are coming on strong when it matters most. The back end of the ‘pen, namely Craig Kimbrel and Brad Ziegler, have been dominant for most of the season, and neither has given up an earned run this month.

The postseason often comes down to how well a team’s bullpen can handle the sixth and seventh innings. Runs are at a premium, and giving up a lead or failing to hold a deficit can be the difference between winning and losing. Those innings had been in question earlier in the year for the Red Sox. Even Kimbrel had his shaky moments. But it looks like that may no longer be the case.

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