Boston Red Sox can beat out New York Yankees for the division

The Red Sox starters have pitched very well this season. They have had four pitchers, Chris Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez, make at least 15 starts. Those four arms have a combined ERA of 3.41, which is better than their team ERA of 3.52.

Coincidentally, the Yankees team ERA is also 3.41. However, much of that has to do with their bullpen as they own a 2.75 ERA. Also, this is a very interesting stat.

As the Red Sox may have the upper hand with starting pitching, the Yankees bullpen has the slighter edge. This is where the Red Sox need to match the Yankees to take the division.

Both bullpens have similar win percentages. The Yankees ‘pen is 18-10 (.643) on the year as the Sox ‘pen is 14-8 (.637).

On the season, the Red Sox bullpen owns a 3.14 ERA. Not bad by any means. However, that’s not to the Yankees standard.

Hitters are batting just .193 against Yankees relievers while Red Sox relievers have allowed a .219 opponents batting average. Again, nothing wrong with the Sox bullpen here. However, it’s still not to the Yankees standard.

By season’s end, it may be hard for the overall numbers of Boston’s bullpen to match those of the Yankees. However, baseball is a game of streaks. As long as we can see the Sox bullpen dominate over the remainder of the season there should be no worries. If that’s the case, games won’t be slipping away and leads will be held.

If something takes a turn for the worst, the Sox may find themselves slipping out of the division race. The point here is that starting pitching has done their job, there aren’t many concerns there for the Sox besides Drew Pomeranz. It’s all about how the bullpen looks from here on out.