Just a few weeks ago, it felt inevitable the Boston Red Sox would make the MLB Playoffs. October baseball felt destined to return to Boston for the first time since 2021, with the Red Sox holding a comfortable lead for an American League Wild Card spot.

But now with the team heading out on its final road trip of the regular season, there's no guarantee the Red Sox will return to Boston as a playoff team. While the Red Sox have fallen into a skid at the worst possible time, the Cleveland Guardians continue to make life uncomfortable for Boston baseball fans.

The Red Sox lost to the Athletics, 5-3, at Fenway Park on Thursday, their fifth loss in its last seven games. The Guardians, meanwhile, beat the Tigers, 3-1, for their seventh straight victory.

With Cleveland surging and Boston slump

See Full Page