When the series against the Blue Jays began, it felt as though the Red Sox had at least a chance to start fresh and put their inconsistency in the past.
Sure, the odds were stacked against them, with injuries mounting, a roster overflowing with rookies, and a daunting schedule on the horizon, but there was a tangible renewed sense of hope following the All-Star break. Perhaps they could resemble the explosive and captivating team they were in June, rather than the sluggish and unpredictable one they’ve been the rest of the year.
Instead, they squandered a prime opportunity, played one of their worst series of the season, and moved to .