The Boston Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position at 29-32, sitting 8.5 games behind in the AL East but only 3.5 games out of a wild card spot as they approach the trade deadline. Speculation is rife about whether they will become buyers or sellers. Notably, the San Diego Padres have expressed interest in outfielder Jarren Duran, who had an All-Star season last year. His current performance, combined with Boston's uncertain future, may lead the franchise to consider moving him while his value is still high.

Other potential trade candidates include Alex Bregman, who has a stellar season underway despite an injury, and several pitchers like Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito. Should the Red Sox falter in the coming weeks, the looming trade deadline could force tough decisions as they weigh their future against the immediate need to improve their squad. With DraftKings giving them +235 odds to reach the playoffs, urgency is in the air.

The Boston Red Sox have placed relief pitcher Liam Hendriks on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right hip. This move is retroactive to Wednesday, as the team announced. In his 14 appearances this season, Hendriks has struggled with a 6.59 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. Meanwhile, the Red Sox recalled right-hander Nick Burdi from Triple-A Worcester. Burdi has been impressive, boasting a 0.48 ERA with four saves in 15 outings at Worcester. Hendriks, a seasoned closer with 116 career saves across six teams, revealed he faced death threats on social media after a recent loss, exacerbating the burden of his past battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

As online betting expands, players like Christian Yelich and Justin Wilson have reported a surge in abusive messages from fans blaming them for losing bets. This troubling trend has particularly impacted Lance McCullers Jr. and Liam Hendriks, who faced threats after poor performances. McCullers revealed that such threats extended to his family, prompting the Astros to enhance security for him and his loved ones. This raises serious concerns about player safety and the shifting dynamics between athletes and fans in the gambling era.

Liam Hendriks, the Boston Red Sox reliever, is facing another setback as he heads to the injured list, making this season particularly difficult for him. After overcoming non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and undergoing Tommy John surgery, Hendriks aimed for a comeback in 2025, contending for the closer role but ultimately falling short to Aroldis Chapman.

His performance has been disappointing, with a 6.59 ERA and a 4.98 FIP over 13 2/3 innings, highlighting the struggles he’s faced after such a long absence from the mound. Hendriks was once a formidable force, being a three-time All-Star and a top contender for the Cy Young award during his peak years. As he takes time off to recuperate, the hope is that he can regain his former dominance upon his return, providing a much-needed boost to a Red Sox bullpen that is currently 14th in the league by ERA.

Christian Yelich delivered a spectacular walk-off grand slam against the Boston Red Sox, marking the first of his career, with the Milwaukee Brewers winning the game in dramatic fashion in the 10th inning.

With the bases loaded and one out, Yelich launched a 2-0 hanging slider from Liam Hendriks deep into the stands, sending fans into a frenzy. This victory capped off a comeback for the Brewers, who had been trailing 1-0 entering the ninth inning but tied it thanks to a clutch single from Sal Frelick off Aroldis Chapman that brought home Yelich.

The Brewers' performance in this game marks their third consecutive win, bringing them to a .500 record for the first time since early May. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have now suffered four straight losses, raising questions about their current form.