Red Sox Veteran Presents Harsh Reality As Struggles Mount
Rob Refsnyder has been around the big leagues long enough to know the Red Sox aren’t in a position to feel sorry for themselves.
That isn’t to say any potential complaints coming out of Boston’s clubhouse wouldn’t be warranted. The Red Sox already have dealt with a slew of injuries to key players, and luck hasn’t been anywhere near Boston’s side. Fourteen one-run losses before June is the kind of stat that understandably would make anyone in a Red Sox uniform wonder if things are ever going to start going their way.
But there is a lot of season left, and even with a diminished roster, Boston still has enough talent to be a part of the playoff conversation. That’s why Refsnyder, an 11th-year pro, doesn’t want to see any of his peers dwelling on the negative.
“If we want to keep losing and making excuses, we can,” the veteran outfielder told reporters Monday, per MassLive. “But we’re all big leaguers, we’ve all been in the minor leagues. We all know how to do the small things, steal bases. I guess we could make excuses, but I think we’re better than that.”
The landscape of the league also should inspire hope for the Red Sox. Even after dropping to two games below .500 on Monday, Boston still was only 2 1/2 games back of an American League Wild Card spot. Even a moderate hot streak could vault the Red Sox into the playoff picture.
That said, striking wins together has been a significant challenge for Boston to date. But it will try to go on a run starting Tuesday night in Milwaukee.