Sean McAdam: Red Sox’ pitching has hit a wall; How much concern should there be?

The Boston Red Sox' pitching staff has experienced a significant slump, with their latest performance falling short against the Seattle Mariners. In the team's most recent outing on Wednesday, three pitchers combined to allow a staggering 12 hits, five walks, and a hit batsman in a 8-3 loss. This marks the fifth consecutive game in which Red Sox pitchers have conceded at least eight runs, a streak that surpasses their longest such period during the disastrous 2020 season.

The Mariners, traditionally a weaker team, have managed to outperform the Red Sox' pitching staff in recent games, scoring 26 runs over their last three encounters. Interim manager Chad Tracy acknowledged the team's struggles, attributing them to a series of issues affecting the rotation and bullpen. Patrick Sandoval's pitching performance was particularly troubling, allowing 31 pitches in one inning, issuing three walks, and struggling with accuracy, as evidenced by a wild pitch with a baserunner on third.

Brayan Bello, who had previously been performing well, allowed four runs in the sixth inning alone, raising his ERA to 9.82. Despite these setbacks, the offense has stepped up in recent games, scoring runs in crucial innings to keep the team competitive. However, the pitching struggles have been a significant concern, with fluctuating ERAs and inconsistent performances from both starters and relievers.

The team's recent schedule, including doubleheaders and emergency starts, may have exacerbated the situation. As the September schedule offers more off-days for recovery, there is some hope for stabilization, particularly with Sean Sánchez returning to his regular rotation spot.