After going 4-2 on their final road trip of the regular season, the Boston Red Sox return home for their final series of the regular season with their magic number at one. All they need to do is beat the Detroit Tigers once this weekend (or have the Houston Astros lose a game), and they’re in the postseason.
The Red Sox have several advantages over the Tigers in their pivotal clash, momentum being one. Boston has won five of its last seven games and six of its last nine, whereas Detroit’s in the midst of a historic collapse. The Tigers have lost 11 of their last 13 games and are suddenly fighting for their playoff lives after seemingly having the AL Central sewn up just a few weeks ago.
The Red Sox also have a big edge with their bullpen, which has been one of the best in baseball this year. Boston’s bullpen ranks second in MLB in ERA at 3.46, while Detroit ranks 17th at 4.11
Thanks to an off day on Monday and Garrett Crochet going eight innings on Wednesday, the Red Sox relief corps is also well-rested. Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock have thrown just one inning apiece in the last five days, with their last appearance coming on Tuesday.
In other words, Alex Cora will have all of his top relievers at his disposal when the series starts on Friday, allowing him to manage aggressively and empty the bullpen if needed this weekend. If Boston grabs a lead, Cora has plenty of fresh arms to come in and hold it.
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The Red Sox bullpen has been a force all season, effectively shortening games by several innings. If it can do that against the Tigers this weekend, Boston will finally be able to punch its ticket to the postseason.
