The Red Sox enter the 2nd half on a 10-game win streak, their best since 2018. Led by Crochet & Bregman, can they catch the Blue Jays? Recap from July 17, 2025.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome to the second half, Red Sox Nation! After a well-deserved All-Star break, your Boston Red Sox are back and riding high on a wave of momentum. They're carrying a season-best 10-game winning streak, the longest this club has seen since 2018, into the stretch run. At 53-45, the team is breathing down the necks of the division-leading Toronto Blue Jays, and the energy around Fenway is electric.
The Boston Red Sox entered July 17, 2025, on a season-best 10-game winning streak, their longest since 2018.
The foundation of this incredible run has been the starting rotation. Manager Alex Cora has been quick to credit his arms, and for good reason. Just before the break, ace Garrett Crochet delivered a masterful performance, tossing his first career shutout on an efficient 100 pitches. He's not alone. Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello have been equally formidable, creating a three-headed monster that opposing lineups are struggling to solve. This level of dominance from the starters has been the single biggest key to the team's recent success.
Just as the pitching staff hit its stride, the offense received a massive jolt with the return of Alex Bregman. After a seven-week absence with a quad injury, the veteran third baseman is back and looks like he hasn't missed a beat. In 51 games, Bregman is hitting a blistering .299 with a .938 OPS, 11 homers, and 35 RBI. His return, which coincided with infielder David Hamilton being optioned to Worcester, solidifies the lineup and adds a critical bat for the playoff push.
It's not all smooth sailing, however. The bullpen has been hit hard by the injury bug. Closer Liam Hendriks suffered a setback with his hip inflammation and is now seeking a second opinion, pushing his potential return to late August or even September. Progress has also been slow for Justin Slaten (shoulder) and Zack Kelly (oblique). The depth has been tested, leading to a flurry of moves. Hunter Dobbins was activated, only to suffer a heartbreaking ACL tear on July 12. This prompted the recall of RHP Richard Fitts from Worcester and a trade sending catcher Blake Sabol to the White Sox, as the front office continues to navigate the roster challenges.
As the Red Sox charge into the second half, the formula is clear: ride the dominant starting pitching and the potent offense led by a healthy Alex Bregman. The biggest question mark remains the bullpen's health. If Boston can weather the storm of injuries and get key relievers back for the final stretch, this 10-game winning streak might just be the prelude to a memorable autumn. The chase for the AL East crown is on, and it's going to be a thrilling ride.
