State of the Sox: A checklist for the final three and a half weeks
The Red Sox haven't clinched anything yet, but a return to the postseason is looking good. Here's what they need to do the rest of the way.
As the 21 remaining games of the season conclude, the Red Sox' postseason destiny appears to be set, barring any unexpected turn of events. With a focus on getting players healthy, establishing a playoff starting rotation, and finalizing the roster for the Wild Card round, the team must address several critical factors before the end of September.
The first step is addressing the health of key players. Six potential postseason contributors are currently on the injured list, with four of them pitchers - Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Justin Slaten, and Tyron Guerrero, along with infielders Curtis Mead and Willson Contreras. While some, like Guerrero and Slaten, should return soon, others like Crochet and Houck remain uncertain, as they have been out for extended periods.
Mead, who recently had his cast removed from a broken wrist, must return before the postseason to provide offensive power. A strong bullpen with Crochet, Houck, Chapman, Whitlock, Miller, Guerrero, and Slaten would be ideal.
Next, the team needs to determine their postseason starting rotation. Sonny Gray and Payton Tolle are guaranteed spots as the first two starters. However, determining the roles of the remaining three has become more complex. Ranger Suarez, who would be the favorite due to his postseason success, is currently struggling, posting a 5.01 ERA. Rookie Jake Bennett, though untested, could be the alternative if Suarez fails to improve. While a gamble, Bennett's potential is worth considering if Suarez doesn't rebound.
The roster for the first round of the playoffs should consist of 12 pitchers and 14 position players. The pitchers would likely include Gray, Tolle, Suarez, Bennett, Chapman, Whitlock, Miller, Slaten, Guerrero, Crochet, Bello, and one of Weissert, Sandoval, or Moran. Position players are locked in with Contreras, Sogard, Story, Kiner-Falefa, Durbin, Rutschman, Wong, Duran, Anthony, Rafaela, Abreu, White, and Jones. If Mead returns healthy, he would likely be the final position player added.
Finally, the Red Sox should hope for a favorable matchup in the Wild Card round. A potential matchup against the Yankees, in the Bronx, would be challenging, but facing the Rays, who would push the Rays into second place in the AL East, would be a better situation. The added benefit of playing at the Trop would be an advantage for the Red Sox.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
