Can the Red Sox Troublesome 31-Year-Old Reliever Turn His 2026 Season Around?
On Easter Sunday, the Red Sox failed to properly commemorate the holiday by coming back from the dead. Boston fell to the San Diego Padres, capping off a third series loss this season and bringing their record to a disheartening 2-7. A silver lining was the afternoon’s active offense; six runs on the scorecard marked a season high for the Fenway squad. Unfortunately, several pitchers’ inability to execute in tense scenarios proved to be the difference, as the Padres eliminated an early deficit and put eight runs on the board. The loss was attributed to rookie reliever Tyler Uberstine, but given that it was his first-ever MLB appearance and that manager Alex Cora boldly stuck him on the mound for three innings, the blame cannot be placed entirely on his shoulders. Similarly, blame cannot be placed on any man’s shoulders for the team’s already concerning 2026 season; failures have come in myriad ways. Nevertheless, a player who seems to be raising many eyebrows, especially considering his level of contribution, is another reliever: Greg Weissert.
Rules of keeping score aside, Weissert bears a lot of responsibility for the most recent loss to the Padres. He gave up a three-run bomb to Manny Machado, surrendering a Sox lead that would never return. In four and two-thirds innings of work so far this year, he has given up three home runs. Those contribute to his five total allowed hits, which have been coupled with two walks. The numbers are not necessarily staggering, and the sample size remains small. All the same, his struggles have seemed to come in high-leverage moments, which exacerbates the problem.
The Weissert issue is important to note because it’s emblematic of the wider frustrations of Red Sox nation. It is not just the losing or the mistakes. It is the remaining proximity to success that infuriates fans and players. A totally blown season and lost team would almost be less maddening. Sit back, relax, have a cocktail: no need to wonder if Boston can finally snag a win today because they won’t even get close. Instead, the nine-time World Series champs have lost three of their games by one run and another couple by just two. Insufficiency when it matters most has come to define the young season; fingers throughout New England are crossed that it will not stay that way.
