Red Sox Drop Regular Season Finale To Cubs

That’s a wrap on the regular season. The Red Sox lost the series finale, a boring and pointless affair, to the Chicago Cubs, 6-2. So, what did we learn?

Tanner Houck isn’t ready for the postseason roster

Tanner Houck started the game today for his first appearance since May 2025. The line was okay; he allowed three runs over three innings on four hits and one strikeout, but the stuff isn’t where it needs to be. His fastballs were about two miles per hour below where they were last year, and his sweeper didn’t have as much bite. He commanded his fastballs and his splitter well, but the whiffs weren’t there as hitters could handle his stuff. Aside from two Alex Bregman home runs, there wasn’t much loud contact, but I still wouldn’t want to trust Houck out of the pen. I’m happy that Houck was able to get an appearance in, but there are better options for the postseason.

Patrick Sandoval isn’t an option for the Wild Card Round

Patrick Sandoval took over for Wyatt Olds in the fourth inning with two outs and pitched until the ninth inning. The Red Sox let him go all the way up to 98 pitches, signaling that he won’t be an option for the Wild Card round. I never thought he would be, other than in a mop-up role, but it’s nice to know the team’s opinion of him is in line with mine.

The Trop is the worst

Trevor Story caught a fly ball that Jarren Duran was tracking because it hit a catwalk, and apparently that’s still in play? How is that place a real stadium that can affect the outcome of playoff games?

Drake Maye has brain worms

What the heck is up with that guy?

Willson Contreras and Ceddanne Rafaela are playing hurt

I think we already knew this one, but the fact that they both only played four innings and got two at-bats was illuminating. It’s clear that they’ve been battling through injuries, but this game had a real rehab-assignment vibe to it for those two. They’ll get another day off before they’re both probably in the lineup for game one against the Yankees.

The Astros and Phillies will be in the playoffs

The Phillies knocked off the Rays, and the Astros took care of business against the Athletics to secure the final playoff spots. If we’re lucky enough to face the Astros in the American League Championship, I pray they learn not to pitch to Yordan Alvarez. Just walk him.

The Yankees Still Suck

They only played 161 games because they’re witches who melt in the rain.

That’s all I got. Next stop, postseason.