MLB Insider Names What Red Sox 'Pretty Clearly Needed' Over Offseason, Amid Offensive Struggles

MLB Insider Names What Red Sox 'Pretty Clearly Needed' Over Offseason, Amid Offensive Struggles originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox's pitching staff has largely done their job this season, tying for the MLB lead with six shutouts and ranking fifth in the American League with a 3.75 team ERA.

The Red Sox's offense, however, has mostly struggled.

Boston enters Tuesday at 20-27, in last place in the AL East and hasn't scored more than four runs in a game in two weeks.

The Red Sox rank last in the AL in runs scored (170), home runs (34), RBIs (163), slugging percentage (.357) and OPS (.667).

MLB senior writer Tim Britton of The Athletic said on Tuesday that Boston badly needed an additional bat for their infield over the offseason.

"It doesn’t have to be Alex Bregman, who is off to an only decent start with the Cubs. But Boston pretty clearly needed one more infield bat coming into the season, and that need is only more acute now," Britton wrote. "Entering Monday, Marcelo Mayer, Trevor Story and Caleb Durbin have combined to hit .196/.256/.287. That’s a .544 OPS from three-quarters of the infield. That’s a big reason why the Sox, unlike the Phillies, haven’t made a run since making a change at manager."

Britton mentioned second baseman Marcelo Mayer, shortstop Trevor Story and third baseman Caleb Durbin, two of whom didn't play in the team's 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Durbin was on the bench for the second straight game and Story was placed on the injured list on Saturday.

Story joins fellow top-of-the-order hitter Roman Anthony on the IL.

Thus far, the Red Sox' two most consistent hitters have been outfielder Wilyer Abreu and first baseman Willson Contreras, who are tied for the team lead with 21 runs scored.

Contreras leads Boston in home runs (10), RBIs (27), slugging percentage (.481) and OPS (.841) and could be on his way to his fourth All-Star team this summer.

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