Red Sox vs. Orioles Lineups: The last-ditch chance continues

Heading into this week’s series against the Indians, one of the hottest teams in all of baseball, we said that if there was to be any chance at a miracle run from this Red Sox team they were going to have to win that series. Then, they went out and dropped an ugly first game. Hopes were pretty low, except they came back and won the next two. It wasn’t always pretty, but they achieved the goal we had set out of them.

Now, they are still 7.5 out of the second wildcard spot, and it’s still just as unlikely they can make a run as it was. The chance is still open, though, and just like in that series they have a clear objective this weekend against the Orioles: Get a sweep. I’m not sure it’s ever fair to expect a sweep from any team in any series against any opponent. This isn’t about expectations, though. This is about what’s necessary. The Red Sox need to beat up on the Orioles and chip away at this deficit they face in the playoff run. Count me among those who don’t think there is a real chance at a miracle run, but if there is it needs to include three wins this weekend.

As they start that quest, they’ll have Rick Porcello on the mound. As we’ve discussed before, even beyond the team’s needs Porcello is pitching for himself and his next contract. He’s cost himself money this year — a whole lot of it — but he can make a little back with a strong finish to the season. Baltimore has not been an easy opponent for the righty this year, but then no one has.

On the other side, there is actually a lot to like with Boston’s offense of late, particularly with the one-two punch between Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts. They are going up against a struggling pitcher in Aaron Brooks, so they have a chance to put another hurting on an opponent.

The full lineups are below.