Now just 3 1/2 games ahead of the Rays for the AL wild card, the Sox will have to really turn it on down the stretch if they want to be involved in October baseball.
The banged-up Sox are dealing with a few key injuries, especially to the pitching staff. Josh Beckett rolled an ankle earlier this month and he nearly joined Clay Buchholz on the disabled list. Beckett, though, is scheduled to return to the bump soon while Buchholz could make a return by the conclusion of the regular season.
Unfortunately, the Sox’ staff hasn’t been able to get hot without these two, as the team has gone 2-9 in their last 11 and has allowed an average of eight runs against during their current five-game losing streak. Aside from one 10-run showing, the offense hasn’t been much of a help either for Boston. During the five-game skid, the team has scored just 22 total runs.
As if the Red Sox needed the added pressure, the Tampa Bay Rays are hot on their trail, winning seven of their last eight. Are the Rays the biggest concern for the Sox, or do their problems lie within their locker room?
What is the biggest area of concern for the Red Sox heading down the stretch?
