Red Sox’s Alex Cora Not Ready To Count Out Postseason Chase
BOSTON -- The Red Sox are working against the ticking clock that is the 2024 MLB postseason hunt, sitting four games behind the third and final wild card spot in the American League amid a division-rival series with the Blue Jays at Fenway Park.
It's not over until it's over, but it won't be easy either.
"I do believe we got a run,'' Boston manager Alex Cora said before Wednesday night's matchup against Toronto. "When? Hopefully at the start of yesterday. We just gotta be patient, keep working hard, slow down the game and I do believe we got a run. I think the bullpen is going to be okay with (Justin) Slaten back. The rotation will settle and showed signs of pitching better within the past few days, and if we do that, we'll be okay. That's the most important thing."
Boston underwent a discouraging stretch, losing five straight -- which included a makeup contest versus Toronto in a day-night doubleheader -- which, instead of cutting into the team's feasible postseason spot deficit, dragged the Red Sox closer to last place in the AL East. That's exactly where Boston's stood after Game 162 for three of the last four seasons, and with trade deadline bullpen acquisitions Lucas Sims and Luis García joining lefty starter James Paxton on the injured list, the challenge continues to amplify. When the Red Sox sent outfielder Jarren Duran and pitcher Tanner Houck to represent the organization in the All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Texas, Boston held a playoff spot, only to let loose of its grip throughout a 15-21 post-Midsummer Classic stretch.
What's been most shocking, however, is the disadvantage Fenway Park has been. The Red Sox have gone 6-11 at home since the All-Star break and 30-37 overall at home this season. Boston hasn't recorded a series sweep in the second half of 2024, and the team's plan of aiming for series victories hasn't panned out all that well thus far. Understanding the position the club's currently in -- do-or-die mode -- Cora fully expects the Red Sox to do everything within their control to make the best of 2024.
"We've got a few games on the road next week. I think we got a lot of games on the road in September if I'm not mistaken," Cora said. "So, if we have to dominate on the road and be below average at home to advance that way, then we'll do it. ... September 1 is coming so we're gonna get a few guys here that can help us pitching-wise, and position player-wise and I do believe that we'll take a shot. At one point, we're gonna start playing more consistent."