Red Sox clinch playoff berth with huge turnaround after poor start

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox secured their place in the postseason following a remarkable turnaround from a 32-46 start to a 52-25 record. The team, which trailed by 15.5 games in the AL East race on June 24, clinched their spot with a 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing for the wild-card berth. Interim manager Chad Tracy, appointed on April 26 after Alex Cora's dismissal, has guided the team to a 74-55 record.

Red Sox players expressed relief and pride at finally making the playoffs, with shortstop Trevor Story saying, "I really don’t care how we got in, as long as we got in." First baseman Willson Contreras expressed his joy, stating, "It’s a great accomplishment, but I don’t want this team to stop here. I want to keep going."