The Red Sox have traded blows with the Jays and Orioles, playing their AL East competition to a collective standstill. It's been an especially tough stretch for a pitching staff that's had to face the likes of Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Chris Davis, and Mark Trumbo on the regular. Every at bat seems like a homer waiting to happen.
Now? Now it's supposed to get a little easier. The Rays as a team have a 79 wRC+. Which is certainly preferable. Granted, they complement that with some impressive pitching. But at least the most beleaguered part of this team should get a break.
Should. This is still Joe Kelly we're talking about. Who knows?
One way or another, though, up against the currently last-place Rays, this is not where the Red Sox want to be falling below .500. Stay above water, boys.
Go Sox!