Red Sox bullpen collapse derails a potential Fenway sweep as Jordan Hicks surrenders four runs in the brutal second inning, spotlighting a shaky middle relief corps in a pivotal late-regular-season stretch. Boston’s manager remains publicly confident in Hicks, while stressing the need for consistent execution from a bullpen that also features Whitlock in a setup role. With 21 games left and a weekend series against Arizona looming, the rotation and bullpen must stabilize to sustain a postseason push.

Key names surface: Hicks’s high ERA and WHIP, Bernardino’s mid-innings stint, and Whitlock’s role as the trusted bridge. The Guardians capitalize on Boston’s missteps, and Boston’s decision to field a bullpen game underscores how every late-season outing matters for fantasy managers tracking bullpen usage, leverage spots, and potential save opportunities as the race tightens.

Red Sox begin a key series in Baltimore with Brennan Bernardino vs Tomoyuki Sugano, fresh off a series win in The Bronx. Boston sits at 71-60; Baltimore at 60-70. The preview stacks odds, betting signals and model projections, plus recent trends: Orioles against AL foes, Boston’s road success, and hot offenses from Story and Bregman. Catch the first pitch coverage, live updates, and expert bets as the series unfolds.

Model-led bets hover around cautious plays on the moneyline, with value seen in the Orioles at +1.5 and Under 9.0, while Bernardino’s last outing yielded 0 ER in a short stint and Sugano comes off a clean line in Boston. Fantasy angles spotlight Bernardino’s stability and Sugano’s road prowess against Boston’s lineup, with Story and Bregman supplying monthly breakout vibes.

The Boston Red Sox ushered in a new era by calling up top prospect Roman Anthony, completing their much-anticipated 'Big 3' alongside Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell. The excitement was palpable during their game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, where Brayan Bello pitched a solid outing, lowering his ERA to 3.91 despite allowing three runs.

However, lefty Brennan Bernardino struggled significantly, surrendering two runs in just one-third of an inning, which included a wild pitch that showcased his frustration as he tossed his glove into the dugout. Bernardino's performance was a stark contrast to his stellar May, where he boasted an MLB-leading 0.71 ERA in 16 appearances. His June has been problematic, marked by an alarming 18.00 ERA over four outings, raising concerns about workload and how hitters are adjusting to him.

Lucas Giolito is finally set to make his debut for the Boston Red Sox after more than 15 months sidelined by injuries. Activated from the injured list, Giolito is taking the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays, a significant moment considering he has not pitched since the beginning of 2024 due to a partial tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. In his minor league rehab, he struggled with an 0-2 record and a 5.19 ERA.

Prior to his injury woes, Giolito had a disappointing 2023 season, going 8-15 with a 4.88 ERA across 33 starts with three teams: the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians. His struggles included allowing 41 home runs, the second-most in the majors. Giolito's performance will be crucial for the Red Sox as they look to bolster their pitching staff and improve their standing in the competitive AL East.