Getty

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 26: Interim Manager Chad Tracy of the Boston Red Sox watches his team play against the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox arrived at Fenway Park on Thursday night riding a three-game win streak after sweeping the Detroit Tigers on the road. The energy around the team had shifted. A difficult start to the season was starting to feel like it could turn into something.

It did not last.

The Rays had been punishing teams for weeks, and Boston gave them exactly the kind of opening they needed. Tampa Bay took control in the middle innings, the Red Sox bullpen could not hold the game together, and Boston fell 8-4, dropping to 16-22 on the season.

After the final out, the conversation turned quickly to what Boston still needs to fix.

Bullpen Struggles Again

The score was tied at three when Greg Weissert entered in the sixth inning. Three Tampa Bay hitters came to the plate against him. All three reached, and the tie disappeared before the inning could settle.

Thursday became another difficult entry in a troubling pattern. In four of his 17 outings, Weissert has entered with Boston tied or ahead and left with the Red Sox trailing. His struggles with inherited runners have also become a persistent problem, with more than half of those he has taken on this season coming around to score.

He did not hide from it afterward.

“It’s not a secret. I’m pitching like s***,” Weissert said.

The frustration was understandable. Jake Bennett had kept Boston in the game through 5.1 innings despite a difficult second inning, and the Red Sox had every reason to believe they could protect a tie at home.

Weissert was unable to deliver.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 07: Greg Weissert #57 of the Boston Red Sox tosses his glove out of frustration in the dugout after pitching less than an inning in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on May 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Roster Moves After the Red Sox Lose

The Red Sox made moves after Thursday’s game. Bennett was optioned back to Triple-A Worcester, and right-hander Jack Anderson was called up to fill his roster spot.

The shuffle reflects a bullpen that is still searching for consistency in the middle innings. Boston has leaned heavily on its most established arms at the back end, but the bridge to get there has not been stable enough.

The one piece Boston has been waiting on is Justin Slaten, who has been working his way back from the injured list. His return had been anticipated as early as Friday, but the latest indication is that Boston will need to wait a little longer before activating him.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 07: Starting pitcher Jake Bennett #64 of the Boston Red Sox throws in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on May 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Slaten Update Offers Encouragement

The wait may be frustrating, but the signs out of Slaten’s most recent rehab appearance were encouraging.

Slaten made another appearance with Worcester this week, striking out two batters and getting through his inning without allowing a run. His velocity reached 96 mph during the outing, a strong indicator that his stuff is returning to where it needs to be.

Slaten had already appeared earlier in the week, giving Boston multiple recent looks at where he stands physically. The signs point to a pitcher who is close. The timeline just needs a little more confirmation.

When Slaten does return, he gives Boston a more stable bridge option before the late innings. His absence has been felt across a season where the Red Sox have struggled to find reliable options behind their most established relievers. He should return in the coming days.

GettyRed Sox pitcher Justin Slaten.

Final Word for the Red Sox

Weissert was honest about where he stands. The bullpen is not where Boston needs it to be, and Thursday was another reminder of what happens when the middle innings become a liability.

Slaten is close. The velocity is back. The rehab work is nearly done.

Boston needs him back on the mound at Fenway.

The sooner the better.