The Red Sox have not played well of late. In fact, that's something of an understatement. It would be more accurate to say that the Sox have played terribly--as bad as they have since their 0-6 (and later 2-10) start to the season. Currently stuck in a five-game losing streak, the Sox have dropped four straight series since defeating the Oakland Athletics in Fenway.
So, clearly, they've been in a funk. Hopefully a day off and a return home will prove the remedy.
There is some precedent for this. While 2-10 did not end with an off day, 2-9 did, and the Sox only lost their next game 6-7 in Toronto before starting the tear that would end with them atop the division. But, on the whole, a day off hasn't been the precursor of many Red Sox wins. In fact, the Sox are 6-8 in the first game back from scheduled days off.
One way or another, though, the Sox are desperately in need of a boost, whether it comes from a day off or not. Hopefully the knowledge that their playoff spot is in increasing jeopardy will be enough to light that fire.
Boston Red Sox (85-61) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (74-73)
Tuesday, September 13, 7:10 p.m.
NESN
Tim Wakefield (6-6, 5.03 ERA) vs. Brandon Morrow (9-10, 5.12 ERA)
Wednesday, September 14, 1:35 p.m.
NESN
John Lackey (12-12, 6.30 ERA) vs. Ricky Romero (14-10, 3.01 ERA)