The Boston Red Sox are in a bit of a tailspin these days, doing everything in their power to turn the tide on their struggling season. At this point, it seems like they’re grasping at anything that might spark a change, even resorting to grooming tactics to shake things up.
After a disappointing 9-6 loss to the first-place New York Yankees, the Red Sox now sit at 30-35 for the year. The game was a microcosm of their season struggles, particularly highlighted by starting pitcher Walker Buehler’s rough first inning, where he surrendered five runs. This marked a continuation of a troubling trend for Boston, which now boasts an alarming first-inning ERA of 12.83 for 2025—a record that no team wants to carry.
The Yankees’ offense came alive in this matchup, led by Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had a stellar day at the plate with three hits, including a home run. He’s joined by American League MVP candidate Aaron Judge, who also contributed three hits, along with Paul Goldschmidt adding to the Red Sox’s woes with a home run of his own.
The issues weren’t limited to pitching for Boston; the defense also faltered, as the team committed two errors during the game. This brings their season total to 57—more than any other team in Major League Baseball. You can imagine how painful it must have been for injured All-Star Alex Bregman to witness this performance from the dugout. It’s clear that the sentiment among fans is growing: something needs to change for this team to be competitive again.
In a surprising move, Bregman decided to take matters into his own hands—not by stepping onto the field but by disappearing into the clubhouse to shave off his iconic Tom Selleck-style mustache. The move raised eyebrows but perhaps also signaled a desire for a refreshed energy in the Red Sox dugout. NESN was quick to capture his grooming decision, sharing “before-and-after” footage on social media with the caption, “Did Breggy shave mid-game? Anything to shift the mojo. Absolute GAMER.”
To their credit, the Red Sox showed some signs of life as the game progressed. Rookie Marcelo Mayer belted the first home run of his MLB career, an impressive 410-foot shot, while Rafael Devers also left the yard. Though Boston’s offensive burst wasn’t enough to clinch a win, it did force the Yankees to dip into their bullpen, a move that could play a crucial role in how the rest of the weekend series unfolds.
As the Red Sox search for solutions, it’s clear that the road ahead remains steep and filled with challenges. The urge to change up the game, whether it’s on the field or off, may just be what they need to start turning this season around. The question now is whether this newfound energy can translate into the results they desperately seek. Time will tell as the season progresses, but for Boston, every little bit counts.
