Wednesday, June 10 | Follow Globe Sports

BATTING LEADOFF

The Red Sox were once a team built around slugging designated hitters. From 2003 to 2022, David Ortiz and J.D. Martinez took 75 percent of the team’s plate appearances at that position and combined to belt 540 home runs and drive in 1,729 runs.

The Sox led the majors in scoring during that time and won four World Series with Ortiz and then Martinez playing leading roles. Both were excellent postseason hitters, too.

Now the DH spot seems like an afterthought for the Sox.

The 27-38 Sox have four homers and 26 RBIs from the position this season. Only the Diamondbacks had fewer homers, and the Padres fewer RBIs.

TO THE LINKS

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: There has been plenty of frustration to share for the Red Sox throughout the 2026 season. The team’s 4-3 loss to the Rays on Tuesday captured plenty of it. Alex Speier has the game story.

Here is the box score.

MINOR DETAILS: Before Brayan Bello and Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt were sent down last week, instances of pitchers who got optioned in the middle of long-term deals were few. Alex Speier looks at a couple of notable examples, and what they could mean for Bello.

TRYING TYRON: At 35 years old and back in the big leagues for the first time in seven years, Tyron Guerrero is opening eyes in improbable fashion. Alex Speier looks at the Red Sox reliever's improbable journey.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT: Jake Bennett will be on the mound when the Red Sox look to avoid getting swept by the Rays Wednesday. First pitch is 1:10 p.m. Here is a preview.

SMASHING DEBUT: Former Red Sox prospect Braden Montgomery hit a walkoff two-run homer in the 10th inning of his rousing major league debut to rally the White Sox past the Braves 6-5 on Tuesday night.

See more of our Red Sox coverage here.

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