Red Sox series preview: Disappointment
Boston, MA - May 12: Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela returns to the dugout after striking out in the ninth inning. The Boston Red Sox played the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images The Red Sox and The Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals each entered the season with postseason aspirations.
But while the Royals have merely stumbled out of the gate, the Red Sox have barreled into May as a full-blown dumpster fire. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow fired manager Alex Cora and most of the coaching staff in late April , making him a target of ire to much of the fanbase, including the wife of former coach Jason Varitek . Now, the team is trying to right the ship without outfielder Roman Anthony or shortstop Trevor Story, both on the Injured List with pitchers Garret Crotchet, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck.
Boston Red Sox (19-27) vs. Kansas City Royals (20-27) at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO Red Sox: 3. 63 runs scored/game (29th in MLB), 4.
07 runs allowed/game (8th) Royals: 4. 02 runs scored/game (24th), 4. 47 runs allowed/game (17th) The Boston Red Sox’ struggles have largely been driven by a lifeless offense.
They scored 17 runs in a game against the Orioles the day they fired Cora, representing 10 percent of their totals runs. In their other 45 games, they’re averaging just 3. 3 runs per game.