The Boston Red Sox are the hottest team in baseball right now, completely changing the narrative for the 2026 season.
Boston has won 10 of its past 11 games overall, with the team going 31-5 since June 25. This marks the best 36-game stretch in franchise history, placing the team right back into the playoff race.
The Red Sox are currently in second place in the American League wild-card race, sitting just a half game behind the rival New York Yankees for the top spot. The turnaround for the Red Sox has been electric, with the eyes of the baseball world on Boston every night.
Now, the team is getting ready to face off against the Athletics in a three-game series. The Red Sox will be looking to keep the winning ways going in front of the Fenway Park faithful.
Ahead of the game, Boston has revealed the lineup for the first contest. Within the lineup, the Red Sox are keeping outfielder Jarren Duran in the No. 7 spot.
Jarren Duran Lineup Placement
Duran hit seventh in the team’s game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, but originally was slotted in the sixth spot. Right before the game started, Boston made a change, and it seems that they are sticking with this to open the series against the Athletics.
Red Sox 8/7
N. Sogard 1B
C. Rafaela CF
W. Abreu RF
C. Durbin 3B
M. Yoshida DH
A. Monasterio SS
J. Duran LF
A. Seigler 2B
J. Rogers CP. Tolle SP
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 7, 2026
Duran has struggled all season long, with the All-Star hitting just .204 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases, while posting an OPS of .614. The outfielder has been trying to break out of this slump all year, but nothing has worked so far.
But the Red Sox have been able to stay the course without his services, giving the team hope for the remainder of the year.
Jarren Duran Red Sox’s Future
Duran has played so poorly that he thought Boston may get rid of him.
“To be honest, I thought I was going to be released… I am the worst player in MLB statistically. I hate looking at the numbers but when you’re going bad, you look at the numbers and it was pretty obvious how bad I was,” Duran said. “I thought I was going to be released… I’m just thankful that I have the opportunity to continue this run with this team and this organization, and hopefully make a playoff push.”
As the team looks to make a run toward the postseason, they will need Duran to keep putting in the work to break out. Duran was one of the more important players to this Red Sox team entering the season, making his struggles even more head-scratching.
Red Sox Reveal Jarren Duran Decision Ahead of Athletics Series