MLB Rumors: What’s The Big Question Facing Red Sox During Stretch Run?

The Boston Red Sox wake up Thursday in second place in the American League East, four games behind the first-place Toronto Blue Jays. But the Red Sox (64-52) sit atop the AL Wild Card standings and own a 1 1/2 game lead over the Seattle Mariners.

Now that we are one week past the July 31 MLB trade deadline, it’s worth considering the biggest challenges facing the Red Sox during the stretch run.

Will chief baseball officer Craig Breslow regret not giving manager Alex Cora a power-hitting first baseman?

Did the bullpen need more help than what Steven Matz can offer?

Does the club need to worry about the starting rotation after watching Dustin May struggle in his first start since his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers?

MLB.com analyzed the one big question facing each club over the final two months of the regular season. For the Red Sox, it came down to what it almost always does: pitching.

“For weeks, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the Red Sox will be fine as long as they pitch. Some eyebrows were raised when Dustin May was the only starting pitching addition at the Trade Deadline rather than someone considered more of the frontline variety,” MLB.com’s Ian Browne wrote Thursday. “At this point, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello are providing great support behind Garrett Crochet.

“Boston’s chances of getting to the postseason could rest on whether that can continue. Keep in mind also that Crochet has already surpassed his career high in innings,” Browne concluded.

May didn’t ease any concerns Wednesday, giving up three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of work in the Red Sox’s 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. He dropped to 6-8 this season with a 4.93 ERA.

The 27-year-old right-hander is scheduled to get the ball again next Tuesday when the Red Sox visit the AL West-leading Astros for a three-game series in Houston.