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Red Sox Pitching Staff Faces Historic Struggles
3 Sep
Summary
- Red Sox pitching allowed eight or more runs for fifth straight game.
- This is the fourth such streak in franchise history.
- Three key relievers recently placed on the injured list.

The Boston Red Sox pitching staff is enduring a historically difficult stretch, having allowed eight or more runs in five consecutive games. This places them in rare company, as only three other Red Sox teams in franchise history (1909, 1930, and 2020) have experienced such a streak. While the 1909 team had a strong overall ERA, both the 1930 and 2020 staffs were among the worst in recent decades.
After a promising start to the 2026 season with a top-tier ERA through 127 games, the Red Sox pitching has faltered significantly over the last 13 contests, recording one of baseball's worst ERAs during this period. The team has faced challenges with key relievers like Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten, and Tyron Guerrero being placed on the injured list. Additionally, starting pitchers Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray have shown signs of fatigue or struggle since returning from injuries.
Despite these pitching woes, Boston maintains a significant lead in the American League wild-card race. However, their playoff aspirations hinge on the pitching staff, particularly Suarez and Gray, returning to their earlier form to support a deeper postseason run. The team now heads to Baltimore to face the Orioles in a crucial four-game series, with rookie Jake Bennett scheduled to start for the Red Sox.