Players like Alfredo Aceves, Tim Wakefield and Andrew Miller have been just as vital to keeping the Sox ahead. With two pitchers from the opening day rotation currently on the disabled list, one out for the season and the other battling a knee injury, the Red Sox have needed contributions from every pitcher they could find.
So far, those guys have come through. Now it's time for the big names to step up and carry the team through September and, Sox fans hope, beyond.
Who will lead the way and win the most games the rest of the season?
Jon Lester has a head start with a team-leading 10 wins, but he's on the disabled list with a strained lat. Josh Beckett is still active, but he and his eight wins are on shaky ground with his wobbly knee.
Clay Buchholz is on the DL with a balky back, and he's tied with John Lackey with six wins. The dependable Wakefield has some work to do to catch up to Lester, but he has made a welcome contribution with his five wins. Miller and Aceves have also made small, but vital, additions.
Who will win the most games the rest of the way? Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Which Red Sox pitcher will win the most games in the second half of the season?
