Behind the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles in the run for October, the next few weeks will be crucial for the Boston Red Sox. How will James Paxton’s injury, their developing dynamic offense, and their recently refreshed bullpen impact the Red Sox? Do they have a chance at clinching a place in the playoffs this season? Let’s look at what has recently unfolded for the Beantown Heros, and what challenges they are facing moving forward in the 2024 season.
Paxton Shortlived, Deadline Decisions
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On July 26, 2024 southpaw James Paxton was traded to the Red Sox with little time to spare. With a bullpen that has been ranked towards the bottom of the barrel in ERA for the American League. They have been depending on their offense to move them toward playoff chances.
Paxton, with his Los Angeles Dodgers photo still unchanged, freshly in his new white Boston Red Sox uniform, had a brutal return to Fenway. The pitch went out and it was hit infield, two steps off the mound and it looks like he may have had a season-ending tear to his Achilles. However, it has yet to be determined exactly the injury at hand today and what it means for the future of the beloved Boston Red Sox.
With the Dodgers having paid most of Paxton’s salary for the season, Boston may have just paid Paxton a huge check for only two outs. The veteran left-hander was negotiated at 2.5 million for the 2024 season and it has yet to be determined what is left of it.
The clubhouse took charge last minute to acquire more pitching staff at the trade deadline knowing their bullpen has been less than impressive this season. Boston won’t have a chance if there is no defense over the next two weeks coming up against some worthy hitters. Signing on Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds and Luis Garcia from the Los Angeles Angels, Boston has acquired what they believe is a strong chance moving forward. With today’s injury, things may be looking grim for the Sox.
This Week AL East, Bullpen Will Make or Break
In an upcoming series with the Texas Rangers, Boston has Brayan Bello starting Monday night against Tyler Mahle. ERA comparison leaves Boston looking behind with Mahle having a 1.80 ERA and Bello standing less confidently at a 5.16 ERA. Tuesday night at Fenway there is the matchup between Jose Urena 3.74 ERA and the fan-fave at Boston Kutter Crawford 4.11 ERA. The clubhouse will be looking to remain strong in these two games hoping to earn W’s for the best chance of moving into wild-card position.
After they face the Rangers they are set to face the Orioles at Camden Yards. Currently, Baltimore is 70-48 this season, they are the team to beat to make movements toward any playoff positioning that is left for Boston. This next week is a pivotal point for the Red Sox to showcase their talent or fold under pressure.
The Yankees will face White Sox who are ranked last in the AL Central so it may appear they have an advantage. All Boston fans will be rooting for Chicago can come out ahead while their beloved Beantown heroes are away in Baltimore. As this week unfolds we will have a better idea of if the Red Sox have a chance to hold on. Their bullpen needs to create some security for their offense to ensure the possibility of having a seat at the table come October.
Offense Alone Won’t Earn Playoff Standings
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Injuries, last-minute trades, and depending on an offense alone won’t put the Red Sox any higher in the standings. The team this year has continued to develop an offense note-worth with Rafel Devers, Romy Gonzales, and Jarren Durran.
Alex Cora and his new $7Million+ contract over the next three years will continue to spark motivation, showing the Red Sox leading baseball in runs, hits, and batting average. Cora focuses on the small things that make the whole team run like DH Masataka Yoshida increasing his stats over the last few weeks. Devers is in peak performance and there are some dark horse opportunities for the Red Sox to come out on top this season. Cora has the opportunity to bring the players together and make a significant change in their current third standing in the AL East.
With John Henry in his twenty-second season in Boston, he has no plans to sell, instead continues to invest in the area surrounding Fenway Park. New upcoming shops and new-age experiences are being built to maximize the revenue of the Red Sox, Henry wants another Championship and is willing to spend the money to make that happen.
If the Red Sox starting pitchers make a memorable impact against the Orioles this week, combined with a forceful offense they would have a better chance at a move up in the AL East standings. Closers will be everything to this Boston clubhouse in determining where exactly they need to improve moving forward. It is never over for the Boston Red Sox, the fans won’t lose faith and the entire clubhouse is hungry for another chance to bring home another World Series Title.
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