The last time we saw the Red Sox at Fenway, they were abruptly leaving someone else’s party.
That was almost six months ago now, but in a certain way, it feels longer. While the Astros turned the Fenway infield into their own champagne-soaked playground after their rally to win Game 4 of the American League Division Series and clinch the series, the Red Sox skulked off toward a winter that would bring necessary change.
The Red Sox won’t look drastically different Thursday afternoon when they play their first home game of the new season. When the 2018 Red Sox take the field for assorted Opening Day festivities, most of the names and faces will be familiar.