August hasn’t been kind to the Boston Red Sox.
After entering the month 64-42 (.604), firmly in second place in the AL East, and up in the AL Wild Card race, recent struggles have put them right in the middle of the action at 73-56 (.566) and narrowly hanging onto a Wild Card spot. This came after the Red Sox declared themselves all-in at the trade deadline by acquiring relievers Hansel Robles and Austin Davis, as well as outfielder Kyle Schwarber to help them chase down the Rays.
Boston has a brutal schedule for the rest of the season — aside from gimmes against the Orioles and Nationals — so if they want to hold onto their playoff spot they’ll need to start winning now.