Ken Matias

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 28: Trevor Story #10, Alex Cora the manager of the Boston Red Sox and umpire CB Bucknor have a discussion about a strike out by Story in the 8th inning during the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the game at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) The Boston Red Sox are sitting at 1-5 on the season and have lost 5 straight games for the first time in 2026. Boston has not won since Opening Day last Thursday in Cincinnati. The Reds took 2-of-3 against the Red Sox and now the Houston Astros have swept them. This has been a tough start to a promising campaign after making the postseason in 2025. Boston was outscored 23-7 in the series against the Astros and the offense and pitching has not been good at all. 38 total strikeouts alone in the series down in Houston. Newcomer Caleb Durbin remains hitless to start his Red Sox tenure going 0-18. Outfielder Roman Anthony was given the day off today but did pinch hit in the 9th inning and hit his 1st Home Run of 2026. Bright spot on this team has been outfielder Wilyer Abreu. Abreu now has 3 Home Runs on the year has been very productive in the lineup. Outside of ace Garrett Crochet winning his first start and today loosing his second start the rest of the rotation outside of Connelly Early has looked shaky. Winless outings from Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, Ranger Suárez and no decision from Early. The team heads back home for the first time this season to host the San Diego Padres to start the homestand.

Red Sox starting pitchers Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suárez will start the 2026 season as the 1st and 2nd pitchers in the Boston rotation assuming both stay healthy. Crochet is coming off an incredible 1st season in a Red Sox uniform. He went 18-5 with 2.59 ERA and had 255 K’s in 2025 which led the league in strikeouts. For new addition in 2026 with Suárez he can be durable right behind Crochet in the rotation. Both pitchers are lefties and has the chance to be one of the best top two 1-2 combinations in the majors. As for Crochet he will look to build off his 18 win campaign from 2025. Crochet has the chance to potentially win the American League Cy Young Award at season’s end if he performs at the level from last year. In terms of Suárez he can be the complementary pitcher that will give you innings and go far in games. His 12-8 record with the Philadelphia Phillies last season wasn’t bad to go a long with his 3.20 ERA in 157.1/3 innings. Red Sox nation should have a lot to look forward to with this pitching staff especially these two players at the front end of it. This 2026 Red Sox team regarding the pitching staff has many options that will continue to compete in Spring Training. Opening Day is under two weeks away it’s going to be interesting how this rotation shapes up.

Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony made his first World Baseball Classic appearance with Team USAA on Friday night. Team USA won against Team Brazil 15-5 in their first game of the Classic. Anthony went 2-4 with 2 RBI’s in his first ever game with Team USA. Anthony only 21-years-old has impressed since being called-up in June 2025 with Boston. He was named an injury replacement in the World Baseball Classic after Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered an injury during Spring Training. Anthony isn’t the only Red Sox on Team USA along with reliever Garrett Whitlock playing in the classic. For Roman this is a great learning experience playing with some of the best in the majors. Aaron Judge, Bobby Whitt, Alex Bregman, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and amongst others for him to learn from. The World Baseball Classic is a great tournament that the players take a lot of time and effort in playing for their country.