Red Sox-Orioles Rainout Sets 2 Games for Boston's 15-Game Streak Bid

Q: With a 78-year-old record on the line, can the Red Sox overcome the pressure of a doubleheader to make history?

Yes — Boston is well positioned to tie the 78-year-old franchise record, but the doubleheader raises the degree of difficulty. The strongest case for the Red Sox is how complete their streak has been. They have won 14 straight, the longest run in MLB this season, while averaging 5.9 runs per game. Their pitching has been even more convincing: starters have posted a 2.63 ERA during the streak and the bullpen a dominant 1.15 ERA. That matters in a doubleheader, where depth and late-inning reliability often decide outcomes. Momentum also favors Boston. The club has won 19 of its last 21 and has repeatedly handled pressure, with six comeback wins during the streak, including each of the last four. That suggests this is not a fragile run built on early leads alone. The Orioles, meanwhile, are sending Kyle Bradish in the opener, and his career numbers against Boston are poor: 1-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts. The main risk is fatigue and disruption. A rainout can cool rhythm, and a split doubleheader tests bullpen management, lineup freshness and focus across a long day. Boston also needs to avoid letting the record chase become bigger than the game itself. Still, the evidence points to a team equipped to handle it. The Red Sox do not need perfection across both games to make history immediately; they only need one win to tie the 1946 mark. Given their current form, pitching strength and resilience, they have a strong chance to do it Wednesday.

Q: Can a new manager truly transform a losing team into a record-breaking contender in just a few weeks?

Yes—but only rarely, and usually not because of the manager alone. Boston’s surge under interim manager Chad Tracy is real: the Red Sox have won 14 straight, 19 of 21 overall, and turned a 32-46 hole into a 51-48 record with playoff odds jumping sharply. That kind of immediate lift can follow a managerial change, especially when a new voice resets the clubhouse, clarifies roles, and restores confidence. But the evidence across baseball shows the manager is usually a catalyst, not the sole cause. Studies of midseason firings since 2004 show teams often improve after a change, yet much of that bump comes from regression to the mean and underlying roster quality. Projection systems generally find replacement managers perform close to what the team’s talent already suggested. That is also true in Boston. The streak has been driven by elite run prevention and timely offense as much as leadership. During the 14-game run, Red Sox starters have a 2.63 ERA, relievers a 1.15 ERA, and the club is averaging 5.9 runs per game with six comeback wins. Breslow’s emphasis on pitching and defense, a stronger bullpen, and a spike in home-run production all matter. History offers a few genuine outliers, such as the 2003 Marlins under Jack McKeon, the 2009 Rockies under Jim Tracy, and the 2022 Phillies under Rob Thomson. Those cases show a new manager can help unlock a contender fast. But turning a losing team into a record-chasing one in weeks remains the exception, not the rule.

Q: From deadline sellers to buyers, what power bat will Boston add to fuel their unexpected playoff push?

The most realistic power bat for Boston to add is **Ryan Jeffers** of the Twins, with **Isaac Paredes** also fitting as a strong right-handed alternative if available. Boston’s surge has flipped its deadline posture from likely seller to likely buyer, and the clearest need is lineup power. The Red Sox rank near the bottom of the league in home runs, with especially weak production at second base, catcher and designated hitter. Craig Breslow has signaled that any upgrade is more likely to come on the offensive side. Among the names tied to Boston, Jeffers stands out because he directly addresses the catcher spot and is viewed as one of the more attainable impact bats. He is a pending free agent, which makes him more plausible than bigger-name but less available options such as Hunter Goodman, Adley Rutschman or Shea Langeliers. Goodman has major power, but industry reporting suggests Colorado would demand an enormous prospect package and is unlikely to move him. If Boston prioritizes a right-handed bat over positional fit, **Paredes** is one of the cleaner matches. He has been described as a seamless addition for a lineup that needs right-handed thump and flexibility. Other names mentioned, such as Gleyber Torres, Taylor Ward and Jo Adell, are possible fits, but the reporting is less definitive. So if Boston buys to support this playoff push, **Jeffers looks like the most realistic add, while Paredes may be the best stylistic fit for the lineup’s power need.**

3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 22

Wednesday’s day-night doubleheader at Fenway gives Boston two chances to tie and then break the franchise-record 15-game winning streak after Tuesday’s rainout.
Game 1 starts at 1:35 p.m. ET with Jake Bennett facing Dean Kremer, while Game 2 is set for 7:10 p.m. and could feature Ranger Suarez off the 15-day injured list against Kyle Bradish.
Boston enters at 14 straight wins and 19-2 since June 24, and players said the weather delay should not disrupt momentum after the club already won five straight following the four-day All-Star break.
The surge has lifted the Red Sox from a 32-46 start to 51-48, cutting their AL East deficit to 6 1/2 games and putting them in the third Wild Card spot.