# Red Sox Faith Tested as Postseason Approaches

> Boston Red Sox's playoff hopes hinge on key players' performance as postseason looms.
- Title: Red Sox Faith Tested as Postseason Approaches · Newsweek
- Summary: Boston Red Sox's playoff hopes hinge on key players' performance as postseason looms. The Boston Red Sox's postseason success depends on whether key players…
- Keywords: boston red sox, trevor story, jarren duran, mlb, postseason, chad tracy, red sox offense, willson contreras, aroldis chapman, Red, Sox, Faith
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/mlb/as-postseason-looms-red-soxs-belief-in-key-players-will-be-tested-12461530
- Author: Ben Watanabe
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: boston red sox, trevor story, jarren duran, mlb, postseason, chad tracy, red sox offense, willson contreras, aroldis chapman
## Red Sox Faith Tested
The Boston Red Sox face postseason challenges as their playoff success depends on key players' performance after a strong July surge.
## July Surge and Current Struggles
The Red Sox won 15 consecutive games in July but are now the 19th-best offense in MLB with only 15 1/2 games of improvement since the All-Star break.
## Injury Concerns
Multiple key players including Willson Contreras, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Aroldis Chapman are either returning from injury or recently came off the injured list.
## Trevor Story's Performance
Trevor Story has been scorching with a .349 batting average and .508 slugging percentage since returning from injury after 16 games.
## Jarren Duran's Ineffectiveness
Jarren Duran has been a net minus for the team's offense despite hitting 20 home runs, with no evidence he will improve in postseason play.
## Postseason Decision Point
The Red Sox must decide whether to trust Trevor Story or other players like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio, or Nick Sogard for postseason success.
## Key takeaway

The Boston Red Sox's postseason success depends on whether key players like Trevor Story and Jarren Duran can deliver after recent injuries and inconsistent performance.