Where Red Sox Landed On ESPN’s Early MLB Power Ranking

ESPN believes the Red Sox currently are a top-10 team in baseball.

No, Boston did not look worthy of that designation over the first three games of its series against Toronto at Fenway Park. But that cold stretch — literally and figuratively — followed a scorching hot run by the Red Sox, who won five straight games thanks to a lively offense and solid pitching.

All things considered, ESPN put Alex Cora’s club ninth overall on its latest MLB power ranking released Thursday.

“After his historic slow start, Rafael Devers turned things around — as did the entire Boston lineup in a three-game sweep of the Cardinals in which the Red Sox scored 36 runs and bashed out 45 hits,” David Schoenfield wrote. “Including the final game of the Baltimore series, the Red Sox scored 44 runs in four games. Devers went 7-for-11 with a home run, four walks and just one strikeout against St. Louis. Alex Bregman also broke out of his slow start, going 9-for-18 with 2 home runs, 5 doubles and 10 RBIs in a four-game stretch.”

The Red Sox have a great opportunity in front of them to occupy a higher spot on ESPN’s next list. After wrapping up its series with the Blue Jays, Boston will play seven of its next 10 games against the lowly White Sox.

But before heading out to Chicago, the Red Sox on Thursday will try to avoid a sweep against the Jays. NESN’s complete coverage of the series finale begins at 3 p.m. ET.