Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss the Red Sox's 'quiet' ascent to the second-place spot in the AL East on the strength of a lineup that is tied for fifth in wOBA and wonder if the pitching is deep enough to make the team dangerous if they reach the playoffs. Plus, they discuss how players change over the course of the season, and a round of injury news items including a follow-up on Astros closer Josh Hader.

Rundown

1:05 Assessing the Red Sox in mid-August

9:15 Is the Current Success of the Pitching Staff Successful?

12:53 An Improving Bullpen, Not Without Questions

15:55 Dustin May & The Importance of Fastball Mix

23:09 How Do They Stack Up Against the Blue Jays?

30:13 How Players Change Over the Course of the Season?

40:05 How Does Velocity Hold Up When Fatigue Sets In?

45:18 'First-Half' and 'Second-Half' Players

53:18 Other News & Notes: Adolis García, Félix Bautista, Zach Eflin & Miguel Vargas

1:00:43 The A's Young Pitching is Intriguing, Will It Work in Sacramento?

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @dvr.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Jed Lowrie

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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Q+A: The Week Ahead | 2 Mar 2026

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