Overview
- Trevor Story hit a three‑run homer in the eighth inning Thursday to lift the Red Sox to a 4‑3 comeback win and help Boston maintain roughly a five‑game lead for the top American League wild‑card spot.
- Manager Chad Tracy said the club will be conservative with high‑leverage arms after revealing closer Aroldis Chapman is dealing with lat tightness and right‑handed reliever Tyron Guerrero had his activation put on hold after back cramps.
- Johan Oviedo completed a strong 2.1‑inning rehab outing in Triple‑A — touching 98.5 mph and recording four strikeouts — and could join Boston’s taxi squad as an emergency postseason option if his next appearance goes well.
- The Red Sox are reworking late‑season bench construction with Eli White sidelined by a right‑foot ligament injury, while Braiden Ward and Jarren Duran are under consideration for a pinch‑running role that the team calls an important piece.
- Offensive inconsistency and bullpen reliability are immediate concerns as Roman Anthony’s September slump and Erik Miller’s recent command issues raise questions about Boston’s ability to handle high‑velocity playoff pitching and close out short series.