Overview
- Trevor Story delivered a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning that turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 win over the Rangers, a comeback that reduced Boston’s magic number for a postseason berth.
- Ranger Suárez followed with a 5 2/3-inning win at Tampa Bay that lowered the magic number to two even though he issued a career-high five walks and worked deep into a high pitch count.
- Willson Contreras was struck on the right hand by a pitch, had negative X-rays, and was left out of the Red Sox starting lineup the next game as the club monitors the injury.
- Offense remains uneven with September metrics among the worst in MLB, creating high leverage on single late-game moments and forcing manager Chad Tracy to manage matchups and small-ball choices.
- With Aroldis Chapman being monitored for lat tightness and middle relievers showing mixed control, Boston’s bullpen usage and short-term pitcher workloads are the key items to watch as the club finalizes its postseason roster plans and rotation