The 2024 edition of the Boston Red Sox has been like a triage unit on a battlefield, as players succumb to various bad luck, on-field casualties, and simple wear and tear. Twin severe injuries, such as Trevor Story's deflating season-ending shoulder and Lucas Giolito's arm disaster, top the charts, but there are more.
The pitching staff has more nicks and dents than a 1973 Ford Pinto. Nick Pivetta and Garrett Whitlock comprise two-fifths of the rotation and both currently occupy spots on the injured list. Unfortunately, the list is substantial and grows exponentially, but the team's record is still above the .500 mark. Getting Jordan Montgomery would have been a nice present for Red Sox Nation, but the past is the past.
The Red Sox are a .500 team firmly entrenched in a .600 division. That trend will likely continue throughout the season as the brass playoff ring will go to the others in the Gang of Four comprising the AL East, but the Red Sox will continue to be dangerous pests.
According to Fangraphs, the Red Sox pitching staff rests at the pinnacle of the AL by performance metrics. Is it the impact of the new pitching coach, Andrew Bailey? Is it an alternate universe? How have Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck suddenly become dominant? Whatever it is, Red Sox Nation can simply enjoy the ride — the passengers of the Hindenburg may have said the same thing approaching Lakehurst, New Jersey.
The Red Sox have been remarkably resilient in the early going
As tempting as it is, we will avoid a litany of snarky comments regarding what this team does with baseball when they have it in their hands, but defensively, they are ranked last. At least there was no way to go but up.
The casualty list now has lefty slugger Triston Casas on the shelf. That means opportunity for other infielders just as it has for the Cooper Criswells of the pitching world. Now, how bad is it for the non-pitchers? Bobby Dalbec is still with the big club.
Wilyer Abreu has reached in 10 of his last 14 plate appearances. pic.twitter.com/aokUEhDy6a
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 21, 2024
The Red Sox seemed dead after the Baltimore sweep, but they recovered enough to sweep Pittsburgh on the road. They are a very resilient team, but in football terminology, this squad is a trap game or series for the .600+ crowd; to solidify themselves as legitimate pains in the you-know-what, they need to do damage to the perceived contenders. They have to run with the bulls to be more than just a nuisance.
The young players have been the one reason for many fans to watch this year's potential debacle. Jarren Duran has picked up where he left off last year, Wilyer Abreu looks like a trade steal, and Ceddanne Rafaela can play anywhere and not hit in any of them — yet. More are on the way, and with players falling like ripe fruit, there will be chances for the names of the future.
Thanks to physical attrition, more prospects will filter in as opportunities increase. This may be a painful maturation process, but dividends could be seen soon. In the meantime, the wounded animal that is the Red Sox has proved rather dangerous and will continue to do so as there is little pressure since so little is expected.
The Red Sox ownership may just have lucked out if the team does more than expected, and that is certainly a capital "IF." Would they step up and deal? Would they be willing to take on fire sale contracts, or will they participate in their own fire sale? Whatever happens, Red Sox Nation hopes that the wounded animal stays dangerous.