The Boston Red Sox have had an extremely inconsistent season, but there may be signs of improvement for the team.
The Boston Red Sox have had quite a rough season so far, but there may be signs of impending improvement for the team. Though there are still several things going wrong for Boston, there are many that are starting to go right.
The most important feat is the recent series win against the New York Yankees, and not only because they are huge rivals. The Red Sox have faced the Yankees in four game series this season, and this is the first they’ve won. The Yankees are also one of the best teams in MLB this season. They sit comfortably at the top of the AL East standings.
Starting pitcher Michael Wacha also returned from the injured list on Sunday and had great success. He pitched seven innings and gave up no runs. He only gave up two hits and one walk, and he also produced nine strikeouts.
To top off some good news, Kiké Hernandez is also expected to come back this week. Hernandez hasn’t played since June 7 due to injury, but he’ll likely have a positive impact upon his return.
The Red Sox may have a shot at the MLB playoffs if they continue to improve
Though the Red Sox don’t seem to be the likeliest contenders to win the World Series, they could have a decent shot at the playoffs if they continue to improve. They’re at the bottom of the AL East standings below .500, but there’s time to rise above the Baltimore Orioles.
According to FanGraphs, the Red Sox are more likely to make the playoffs than the Orioles, despite being below them in the standings. Boston has a 17.9 percent chance, and Baltimore is set to a zero percent chance.
FanSided’s Tim Boyle ranks the Orioles four spots ahead of the Red Sox in this week’s MLB rankings, adding that the team “would have served themselves better to trade away a few pieces earlier this month.”