With the most anticipated baseball season in the past few years underway, the Boston Red Sox hope to blow past last year’s short playoff run and head back to the World Series. After finishing first in the American League East, Boston was swept in a four game series to the Central Division champion and later American League champion Cleveland Indians. For the Sox to reach their potential this year, their potentially strong core starting pitching rotation will have to perform up to expectations. Unfortunately, there are already signs that might not be the case. David Price has yet to play, Steven Wright is out for the season and Rick Porcello has lost more than he has won. Let’s take a closer look at each of the starters and their situation.

Rick Porcello is the reigning AL Cy Young award winner. Last year his record was 22 – 4, but so far he has struggled in 2017. He has been pitching well, but the team has not been scoring many runs for him. Hopefully, he can get some help and start winning. It will be great if he can get on a roll and get 20 wins for the season.

Chris Sale was a strong pitching addition for the Red Sox in the offseason from the Chicago White Sox. Entering his eighth MLB season, the lefty has high expectations from the Red Sox organization. Last year’s 17 – 10 record was not good enough for Sale, as he is one of the best and most elite emerging pitchers in the MLB. A successful season for Sale could ensure a playoff berth and even a deep run in the 2017 MLB playoffs for the Red Sox.

Steven Wright entered his fifth MLB with the Sox with very high expectations after his previous season’s 13 – 6 record. Posing a 1 – 3 record in his first four starts, Wright was placed on the 10-day disabled list and later had season-ending cartilage restoration surgery in his left knee. This season was certainly a disappointment for Wright, but Boston is excited for his return next season.

Drew Pomeranz is entering his seventh season in the MLB. After starting the season on the 10-day disabled list, Pomeranz hopes to improve on his 11-12 record from last season. The addition of Pomeranz in the middle of last season was a high point for the Sox, and manager John Farrell hopes his solid pitching job continues throughout 2017.

Eduardo Rodriguez started off on a great note for Boston. Through mid-May, he has blown away his haters with an impressive 2.80 ERA and 42 strikeouts. Rodriguez’s success is a positive sign for Boston’s future success.

With the lingering injuries and problems from the Red Sox pitching staff, there are also many positive points as more pitchers become healthy and return to the line-up. The Red Sox will need help from their pitching staff to do well. Manager John Farrell seems optimistic about his pitcher’s health and ability to return and help the team succeed.