The first six games of Major League Baseball's regular season are no more important than the following 156 for teams keen on making the playoffs. They are no less important either. As a gum-chewing coach that has run out of interesting things to say might tell you: They all count the same. But coming off a long winter and immediately stubbing toes can be especially frustrating to a dugout, clubhouse and fan base.
That's exactly what the Red Sox have done out of the gates in 2026. Ace Garrett Crochet could not stop the bleeding Wednesday afternoon vs. the Astros as Alex Cora's team stumbled to a fifth consecutive defeat. They will take a much-needed break today before hosting the Padres on Friday in the home opener.
