The Boston Red Sox are stuck in last place in the AL East, with Trevor Story taking the field at Fenway Park on May 14, 2026. They managed to pick up a half-game on the Yankees last night while their rivals were off, but that barely moves the needle. Boston still sits three games deep in the loss column behind their blood rivals, and this week is not looking any easier.
This Week’s Gauntlet? It’s Worse Than It Looks
Get ready for it, because the Red Sox truly have a tougher job on their hands this week. Boston has two more games against the Marlins coming up before a huge rivalry showdown with the Yankees this weekend. Meanwhile, the Yankees get three games against the Astros. You’d think that’s an even trade, right? Not so fast. The Marlins and Astros have almost identical records, but the Marlins actually boast two more wins and a significantly better run differential. And while the Astros are closer to the playoffs in the mediocre AL than the Marlins are in the NL, facing the Fish right now is no walk in the park.
The “Killer” Schedule for the Rest of the Season
Looking at the rest of the season, the initial gut reaction is pure worry. The Yankees, after this weekend’s clash, have only three series against teams at .500 or better: the Rays, Diamondbacks, and Padres. They then get to feast on teams like the Rockies, Mets, and Angels. Sounds like a smooth ride, doesn’t it? But here is the thing: the Red Sox also only have three series left against teams at .500: the Rays, the Cubs, and the Guardians, who are currently sitting right at .500. And while Boston doesn’t get the Rockies and Mets, they do get the Angels and Royals. Notice a pattern here?
Why “Strength of Schedule” Is a Total Mirage in MLB
Here is the absolute truth about “strength of schedule” in baseball, especially in the pathetically mediocre 2026 AL: it just is not that big of a deal. Seriously. There is not some drastic difference in the quality of teams across the league. We’re talking 9 of the 15 AL teams all huddled between 61 and 68 wins. This whole “strength of schedule” concept? It got imported from other sports, and it honestly just does not fit baseball. Any team can beat any other team on any given day. Any team can sweep any other team on any given weekend.
So, am I worried that the Red Sox supposedly have a harder schedule down the stretch? Not in the slightest. Forget the noise, just keep winning ballgames. Those two Marlins games are next, leading right into that massive rivalry clash with the Yankees. Every single pitch matters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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