The Red Sox were humbled by the Jays, and the Yankees before that, and are right back in it on Monday when the hard-hitting Guardians come to town. The Guardians are among the big boppers at the moment, while the Sox offense, like every other part of this team, has underachieved lately. There is no rest in sight for the beleaguered Sox starters with Pivetta on the mound. His last three starts have been beyond the pale, allowing an opposing batting average of .390, with too many walks and home runs. Considering the timeline on his poor play, he is not really a candidate to bounce back on Monday. Don’t look for support from the bullpen with an ERA of well over eight lately.

Cleveland’s starter Plesac (2-7, 4.02) has also struggled lately, with a couple of short poor starts in his last two outings. Opposing batters have hit him to the tune of .297 in July. Plesac pitched well in June so a better start from him is not out of the question. The Guardian’s pen has been solid in relief lately.

I am on the Guardians on Monday. The Red Sox appear to be in the “when will this all end” mode. Their play on the field has been poor with another 2 errors on Sunday, and their line up is depleted. Look for the Guardians to pad their averages vs. the Sox’ pitching staff and to steal this one on the road.