From Boston Red Sox On SI · · 1m 40s
Red Sox offense crumbles with playoffs looming
Boston's struggling bats have become their biggest problem with 12 games left in the season.
In brief
Boston's struggling bats have become their biggest problem with 12 games left in the season. The Red Sox need to fix their offense immediately or face elimination in a road Wild Card series against the Yankees. Originally reported by Boston Red Sox On SI.
Red Sox in tight playoff race
Boston enters the final stretch at 82-68, holding the No. 2 AL Wild Card spot but trailing the Yankees by five games with 12 games remaining.
Offense has cratered recently
Over the last 30 days, Boston ranks 18th in runs scored with 114. In the last 15 days, it's even worse: 27th with just 45 runs, averaging 3.75 per game versus 4.42 for the season.
Last week was historically bad
Over the last seven days, Boston scored just 15 runs in four games, ranking 26th in the league.
Key players returning from injury
Willson Contreras returned September 13 and has played one game. Ceddanne Rafaela is expected back soon. Their simultaneous absence explains the offensive collapse.
No margin for error in playoffs
Boston is likely headed to the No. 2 Wild Card spot, meaning a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. They lost to New York in three games last season in the same scenario.
“There is no wiggle room in a three-game Wild Card series on the road.”
Offense must improve before October
If Boston doesn't jumpstart its bats before the playoffs, a deep run is unlikely. The weak offense will be exposed in a short series.
“If Boston can't jumpstart this offense again before the playoffs arrive, it won't be a deep run for the Red Sox.”
Final 12 games are critical
Whether Boston closes the gap with New York or not, these games are essential for getting the offense back on track before the postseason.
The essence
The Red Sox need to fix their offense immediately or face elimination in a road Wild Card series against the Yankees.
