The Boston Red Sox are on the rise in 2021, and they don’t seem ready to slow down. They are one of the surprise teams this season because expectations were low heading in. Here is what has made the Red Sox successful so far, but can they keep it up?
In a little over sixty games, the Red Sox are 37-24 and are two games behind the Rays. Factors in their recent success are that they are pitching well, an offense on the rise, and timely hits from the full roster. Their bullpen has been lights-out in the late innings, especially the ninth.
Offense on the Rise
The offense has been a major factor in the Red Sox’s recent success. Boston’s core hitters J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, Alex Verdugo, and Rafael Devers have been some of the hottest hitters in MLB. Martinez has been one of the league leaders, recently hitting his 250th home run and sittting at the top of the home run leaderboard. Boagerts and Devers have been providing big hits in the middle of the order.
Hunter Renfroe has been a nice boost to the Red Sox lineup. Through sixty games, he leads the team with five defensive runs saved and stellar outfield play. What is more surprising is the emergence of his offense, which has been good for Boston at the bottom of the order. If the offense can keep rolling then the Red Sox will be a dangerous team.
Pitching
It’s interesting how dominant the Red Sox have been on the mound. The rotation has been another key factor in their success, including ace Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Richards, and Nick Pivetta. Each has had multiple quality starts, keeping the team in games.
Eovaldi and Pivetta each have a 3.78 ERA at this point, meaning they are not giving up many runs. Though they have received solid and consistent pitching from their rotation, the Red Sox can also turn to a decent bullpen with pitchers like Adam Ottavino and Garrett Whitlock.
They are preparing to get Chris Sale back before the end of the season to help boost their chances in the AL East. Therefore if the rest of the pitching staff stays healthy and consistent then they have a chance at the playoffs.
Even though it is still early in the 2021 season, the Red Sox are still a team to watch. There is a lot of potential for them to make a surprise run to the postseason. They are in a tough division, but that has never stopped them before. Stay tuned for more on the Boston Red Sox’ 2021 road to the playoffs.
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