NEW YORK -- The Boston Red Sox are on track to pay a $13.05 million luxury tax for a season in which they are likely to miss the playoffs.
The World Series champions' payroll for purposes of the tax increased from $239.7 million on Opening Day to $242.8 million on Aug. 31, according to calculations by the commissioner's office obtained by The Associated Press.
Teams are allowed to get to $206 million before the luxury tax kicks in.
As of Opening Day, the Red Sox were projected for an $11.76 million tax.
Entering Saturday, Boston (77-70) was 8 1/2 games out for the second AL wild card with 15 games remaining.