The Boston Red Sox have surged back into playoff contention with a remarkable 10-game winning streak, bringing their record to 53-45. This impressive turnaround has placed them well within striking distance of a postseason berth as they head into the second half of the season. The team is in need of reinforcements, particularly in the starting rotation, following injuries to key pitchers like Hunter Dobbins and Tanner Houck. Speculation is rife around potential trade targets, with Arizona Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly emerging as a prime candidate. At 37, Kelly is a pending free agent, presenting both an opportunity and a risk as the Red Sox weigh their future against current needs.

Kelly boasts an 8-5 record this season, with a 3.34 ERA and 113 strikeouts across 116 innings, making him a significant upgrade over the struggling Walker Buehler. While the Red Sox are proving to be a competitive team, the decision to pursue Kelly, along with potential prospects like Connelly Early and Payton Toll, could define their immediate future.

The Boston Red Sox are in a precarious position as they approach the 2025 MLB trade deadline, sitting nine games back in the AL East. Their hopes hinge on the performance of young talent like top prospect Roman Anthony. Meanwhile, if their struggles continue, the likelihood of them becoming sellers increases. Reports suggest that the Toronto Blue Jays could be interested in acquiring starting pitcher Walker Buehler from Boston, who has had a challenging season with a 5.18 ERA but showed flashes of his former self earlier in the year.

As a surprise contender, the Blue Jays lead the AL Wild Card race and aim to bolster their rotation. Despite some star players like Anthony Santander and Vlad Guerrero Jr. underperforming, the team remains optimistic. If Buehler could recapture his past form away from the Red Sox, it may not only benefit him but also serve as a strategic move for both teams.

The Tampa Bay Rays face off against the Boston Red Sox today, looking to secure the series with a win. The Rays are riding a hot streak, winning 8 of their last 9 games, particularly excelling with Zack Littell on the mound, boasting an 8-0 record in his recent starts.

Boston's Walker Buehler, on the other hand, has struggled lately, losing three consecutive starts. The dynamics of this matchup are intriguing, with the Rays having a competitive edge based on their recent form and the pitching statistics of both starting pitchers.

The Boston Red Sox edged out the New York Mets in a tightly contested matchup at Fenway Park. With the victory, the Red Sox improved their record to 24-25, placing them second in the AL East. Conversely, the Mets' loss dropped them to 29-19, leaving them trailing the Philadelphia Phillies for the top spot in the NL East by half a game.

Star pitcher Walker Buehler, who had been in excellent form, faced an early exit after being ejected following a controversial ball call that many fans and analysts criticized. The ejection led to a heated exchange between Buehler and the home-plate umpire Mike Estabrook, prompting strong reactions from the crowd and calls for Estabrook's dismissal from officiating duties in the MLB.

This game not only highlights the Red Sox's upward trajectory but also raises questions about the impact of officiating in crucial games, especially at this stage of the season.