MLB Insider: Red Sox 'Might Be Poised To Make A Run,' Infielder's IL Return Helped 'Restore A Measure Of Order'
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MLB Insider: Red Sox 'Might Be Poised To Make A Run,' Infielder's IL Return Helped 'Restore A Measure Of Order' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The local nine are on a season-best five-game winning streak after sweeping the New York Yankees over the weekend and defeating the Washington Nationals, 6-3 on Monday night.
Even more impressively, each of the Red Sox's five victories have come at home, after beginning the year 12-25 inside Fenway Park.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic cited the state of the American League standings, Boston's starting rotation and infielder Romy Gonzalez's return from the injured list as reasons why the Red Sox could get right back in the playoff picture.
"Their roster looks more functional than at any point this season. And considering where they are in their schedule -- a stretch in which they are facing the Nats, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox and New York Mets -- they actually might be poised to make a run," Rosenthal wrote. "Starting pitching was the anchor of (chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s) pivot to run prevention. Don’t look now, but the Red Sox’s rotation -- featuring three rookie left-handers but not right-hander Brayan Bello, demoted with his $55 million contract to Triple A -- is the hottest in the league."
The longtime MLB media member still said that the Red Sox's offense is "nothing great," but Gonzalez's recent return to action provides a boost.
"Still, the return of Romy Gonzalez from left shoulder surgery on Sunday helped restore a measure of order in two ways. Gonzalez can now form a viable DH platoon with Masataka Yoshida. And, with the accompanying demotion of Mickey Gasper, the Sox are again back to two catchers.
Boston will look to earn its first six-game winning streak since last August when it hosts the Nationals on Tuesday night.
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