Red Sox reactions: Adley Rutschman finishes strong in meaningless loss

The Boston Red Sox experienced a disappointing 6-2 loss to the Tampa Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, despite finishing the regular season with a strong 87-75 record. The team had turned things around from a 32-46 start on June 25, posting a .659 winning percentage and clinching a .840 winning percentage in July. This July month was their best-ever for a single month in franchise history.

Despite the regular season being largely irrelevant, as the Cubs had already clinched home-field advantage in the World Series, the Red Sox still had some positive experiences. Catcher Adley Rutschman had a strong final week, homering and walking in the game while going 10-for-30. Tanner Houck made his first start since May 12, 2025, after recovering from Tommy John surgery in just 13 months. He pitched well for three innings, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk.

The Red Sox finished the season with a 41-40 home record, including this game, after a Nor'easter forced Major League Baseball to move the location from Boston to St. Petersburg. First baseman Wilyer Abreu threw out Michael Conforto at home for the final out of the top of the ninth inning, putting him in line for his third straight Gold Glove.

Willson Contreras returned to the lineup after being hit in the hand by a pitch on September 17, going 0-for-2 but getting several at-bats before the postseason. Patrick Sandoval pitched well in two relief outings during the final week, although he walked too many in the ninth inning.

The Red Sox now face a rematch of last year's AL Wild Card round, with Boston heading to Yankee Stadium for a best-of-three series starting on Tuesday at 8 p.m.