If it seems like forever since the Red Sox have played a team other than the Yankees or Rays, it’s because it has been. The long 14-game stretch against the two division rivals finally ended on Sunday and in the worst possible way. Boston lost the last eight games in that stretch after winning five of the first six, and find their playoff chances slipping further and further away. If there is going to be a recovery, they have to take advantage of their schedule softening up in the near future, beginning with this series against the Royals.
Red Sox vs. Royals Lineups: If not now, then when?
