The San Diego Padres are welcoming the world champion Boston Red Sox on Friday, kicking off a three-game series at Petco Park. This is Boston’s first trip to San Diego since 2016, which is also the last time the two teams faced each other in any ballpark.
A lot has changed since then for both organizations.
The Red Sox (67-60) are having a down season in comparison to their 108-win campaign a year ago that earned them another World Series title. Currently 16.5 games behind the AL East-leading Yankees and six games back of a wild card spot, it’s do or die time for them.