Red Sox try to rekindle 2018 mojo

MINNEAPOLIS -- The last six-game winning streak for the Red Sox came in October.

Boston captured the last four games of the American League Championship Series against the Astros and the first two games of the World Series against the Dodgers. Alex Cora’s club was a well-oiled wrecking machine by that point, ripping its way to 119 victories and a championship.

There was a sense of inevitability by the time the Red Sox boarded their cross-country flight to Los Angeles. Not even a marathon loss in Game 3 and an early deficit in Game 4 could prevent Boston from glory at Dodger Stadium. The Red Sox had a certain swagger as they dismissed three 100-win opponents in just 14 games.

Boston’s 11-17 start this season found the club looking a bit lost. The Red Sox haven’t resembled last year’s team until this six-game winning streak against the Rangers, Orioles and Twins. Boston has been resourceful and received contributions from each man on the roster, including in Monday’s 2-0 shutout at Target Field.

“The vibe is different – I’ll tell you that right now,” Cora said. “There’s no more searching. You come to the ballpark every day now and it feels like last year. We’re finding ways to beat teams.

“It got to the point there we were searching for mechanics and swings and whatever. Now it’s different. Now it’s just a matter of putting everything together.

“Yesterday was a great game. I think those games are very important – 1-0 game, big hit (by Xander Bogaerts) in the ninth, big save by (Ryan) Brasier. That’s a good feeling.”

It’s perhaps the boldest statement this season to date from the Red Sox manager. And he has every reason to feel good with an offense that’s slugged 113 extra-base hits over its last 28 games, the most in the big leagues. Boston doubled in each of its first 17 June games and swatted 14 home runs over its last five entering Tuesday.

“The cool thing is we haven’t even played well,” Cora said. “Not too many teams have 40 wins, and we’re one of them. For everything I hear and how everybody feels us, we haven’t been good. That’s a good feeling.”

Eight teams in the big leagues had reached 40 victories entering Tuesday, including division foes New York and Tampa Bay. Minnesota carried the best winning percentage in the A.L. at .662.

Bullpen management

The Red Sox bullpen was expected to approach full stretch for the middle game of the series.

Brandon Workman and Marcus Walden were likely to be available after not pitching on Monday. Workman was also supposed to be off on Sunday but managed to talk his way into the bottom of the ninth inning, earning the win in an 8-6 scrap past Baltimore.

“Yesterday he was like, ‘I’m ready,’” Cora said. “I was like, ‘Yeah right – I’m not using you.’ He’s a guy who’s a leader on the team on his own terms.”

Matt Barnes was also unavailable on Monday and hasn’t worked since Saturday at Camden Yards. Cora mentioned a possible third straight day down for the right-hander.

On the mend

Nathan Eovaldi (right elbow) and Heath Hembree (right elbow extensor strain) both played catch on flat ground prior to Tuesday’s game.

Eovaldi has started over with his throwing program after being shut down due to biceps tendinitis. He’ll attempt to play catch for a third straight day on Wednesday if medically cleared.

“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Cora said. “If it’s good, he’ll play catch again – which is a big step. Then after that we’ll map out whatever we have to do.”

Steve Pearce (lower back strain) had the first of what was expected to be three straight games at Triple-A Pawtucket rained out on Tuesday. Pearce will play at least one game in Wednesday’s doubleheader against Durham, and Darwinzon Hernandez is expected to start the early game at McCoy Stadium.