There is no hiding the fact the Boston Red Sox are no longer perennial contenders in the American League.
All the concerns about the pitching staff prior to the start of the year were amplified when Chris Sale underwent Tommy John surgery, and the Mookie Betts trade deprived the franchise of one of its best and brightest stars.
Indeed, Boston's staff has struggled at a historic rate, with left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez also out for the year due to a heart condition related to his bout with COVID-19.
Additionally, stars like J.