MLB Writer Identifies Red Sox’s Key Goal For Second Half

The All-Star break provides a welcome reprieve for many players and teams, but the Boston Red Sox may not have wanted to press pause.

Boston won 10 straight games before the intermission to gain control of an American League playoff spot. The Red Sox must hope a four-day layover doesn’t halt their momentum when they return to a difficult schedule.

Alex Cora’s squad faces each of the National League’s first-place teams to open the second half, playing the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies on the road before hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. That stretch could determine how seriously everyone takes Boston as a World Series contender.

MLB.com posted a story highlighting each team’s goal for the second half. Ian Browne identified Boston’s main objective as starting strong out of the break.

The Red Sox reporter noted that they didn’t accomplish that mission last year.

“Last year’s squad opened the second half with a disastrous road trip in Los Angeles and Colorado, losing five out of six,” Browne wrote. “The Red Sox lacked the same swagger from that point forward and never played like a viable contender again for the rest of the season. Playing three strong teams right out of the gate (Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies) gives the Sox a chance to make an immediate statement that they are for real.”

Boston’s pitching locked down to allow 24 combined runs over its last 10 wins. That unit will face a significant test against the Cubs and Dodgers, MLB’s top two scoring offenses.

Meanwhile, the Phillies have lined up their pitching rotation to deploy NL Cy Young Award favorite Zack Wheeler and budding ace Christopher Sanchez against the Red Sox next week.

A rough patch could hit Boston with a harsh reality check right before the trade deadline. On the other hand, the front office may feel motivated to load up for a playoff push if the Red Sox handle three potential pennant winners.

The Red Sox and Cubs commence the second half with a Friday matinee at Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. ET.