The Red Sox were decimated by key injuries and poor executive decisions,[8] particularly failing to address a lack of offensive production at the first base position,[9] which hampered the team.

[11] The team went 8–19 during July, falling into last place in the AL East and ending the month with a 51–52 record approaching the MLB trade deadline of August 2.

That same day, Chris Sale reportedly broke his right wrist while riding his bike to grab lunch and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

On August 25, it was announced that James Paxton, who was already injured, suffered a type 2 latissimus dorsi tear the week before and was also ruled out for the rest of the season.

On September 25, the Red Sox needed a win on Sunday Night Baseball to avoid a series sweep at Yankee Stadium and keep their playoff hopes alive.

[13] Hall of Fame inductee and NESN color commentator Dennis Eckersley retired from broadcasting at the end of the season, having spent 50 years in professional baseball.

Nathan Eovaldi started the opener, as he had done the prior two seasons, lasting five innings while allowing three runs on five hits and striking out seven batters.

Tied 1–1 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, reliever Ryan Brasier allowed a two-run home run to Javier Báez.

In the bottom of the inning, the Blue Jay put two runners on base off of Matt Strahm; fellow reliever Tyler Danish allowed another baserunner, then surrendered a grand slam to Bo Bichette.

After the Red Sox were unable to score in the top of the tenth, the Blue Jays pushed across a run in the bottom of the inning for a 6–5 win.

The Red Sox ended April with a record of 9–13,[67] in fourth place in the American League East, 6+1⁄2 games behind the division-leading Yankees.

The Red Sox entered May in fourth place in the American League East with a record of 9–13, having just split the first two games of a three-game series in Baltimore.

Starter Garrett Whitlock held the Angels to two runs on two hits in five innings, while Jake Diekman was charged with a blown save and Matt Barnes took the loss.

Story joined Bobby Doerr and Dustin Pedroia as the only Red Sox second basemen to hit three home runs in a single game.

With the Red Sox holding a 3–2 lead entering the top of the ninth, Hansel Robles surrendered a home run to Eugenio Suárez, tying the game.

Prior to the next game, the Angels fired manager Joe Maddon, as the team had fallen to 27–29, including an active 12-game losing streak, after starting the season 21–11.

Boston held a 6–5 lead entering the bottom of the ninth, but Hansel Robles allowed two runs for a blown save and the loss.

Rich Hill tossed six strong innings with one earned run and the Sox offense exploded for 15 hits while also drawing 11 walks (two intentional).

The rally included the first major-league career hit by Jeter Downs, who was driven in by a two-RBI walk-off single by Alex Verdugo.

Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (12–15 runs) Boston went 8–19 during July, ending the month with a 51–52 record, in last place of the AL East and 18 games behind the Yankees.

The Red Sox entered August with a 51–52 record, in last place of the AL East and 3+1⁄2 games out of a wild card spot.

Boston won the second game of the series, 7–4, with the win going to starter Josh Winckowski, who pitched five innings while allowing one run on five hits.

The Royals won the third game of the series, 5–4, with Nick Pratto hitting a walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Royals won the final game of the series, 13–5, with the loss going to starter Kutter Crawford, who pitched five innings while allowing five runs on five hits.

The Twins won the middle game of the series, 10–5, largely powered by six RBIs from Nick Gordon, including a fifth-inning grand slam off of reliever Ryan Brasier.

The Red Sox entered September with a 63–68 record, in last place of the AL East and eight games out of a wild card spot.

MLB active rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players as of September 1, effective through the end of the regular season—the Red Sox called up catcher Connor Wong and pitcher Eduard Bazardo from Worcester.

Prior to the final game of the series, the Red Sox called up prospect Triston Casas from Worcester to make his MLB debut.

Alex Verdugo homered and Xander Bogaerts had two hits, his ninth consecutive multi-hit game, tying a Red Sox franchise record.

† Minimum 3.1 plate appearances per team games played AVG qualified batters: Bogaerts, Devers, Martinez, Verdugo