• On October 2, it was reported that assistant hitting coachAndy Barkett was dismissed,^[11] which was confirmed by the team on October 8.^[12]
• On October 8, the team announced that ticket prices at Fenway Park during the 2020 season would increase an average of 1.7% from 2019 pricing.^[13]
• On October 8, the team announced thatDana LeVangie andBrian Bannister would not return as the team's pitching coach and assistant pitching coach, respectively, although both would remain with the team in other roles.^[12]
• On October 18, the team released pitcherSteven Wright,^[14] and removedGorkys Hernández andJosh Smith from the 40-man roster, sending both outright to Pawtucket.^[15]
• On October 21, Hernández, Smith, andChris Owings electedfree agency rather than accepting assignments to Triple-A Pawtucket.^[16]
• On October 21,Peter Fatse was reportedly hired as the team's assistant hitting coach,^[17] which was officially announced on October 31.^[18]
• On October 24, analystBill James announced his retirement from the Red Sox.^[19]
• On October 25, the team reportedly selectedChaim Bloom as Chief Baseball Officer andBrian O'Halloran asgeneral manager;^[20][21] an official announcement was made three days later, on an off-day of the2019 World Series.^[22]
• On October 31, the following players became free agents:Andrew Cashner,Jhoulys Chacín,Brock Holt,Mitch Moreland,Steve Pearce, andRick Porcello.^[23] The team also selectedJosh Osich off waivers from theChicago White Sox.^[23]
• On October 31, the team officially namedDave Bush pitching coach,Kevin Walker assistant pitching coach, and Peter Fatse assistant hitting coach.^[18]
• On October 31,J. D. Martinez entered a five-day period within which he could opt out of his contract (which would make him a free agent and trigger a $2.5 million payment from the Red Sox);^[24] Martinez did not opt out.^[25]

• On November 4, catcherJuan Centeno was removed from the 40-man roster and elected to become a free agent.^[26][27]
• On November 12,Tony La Russa, who had worked with the Red Sox for two years as a special assistant, was hired by theLos Angeles Angels as a senior advisor.^[28]
• On November 20, in advance of theRule 5 draft, the Red Sox added five players to their 40-man roster: Yoan Aybar,C. J. Chatham,Bobby Dalbec,Kyle Hart, andMarcus Wilson.^[29]
• On November 27,Brian Johnson was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Pawtucket.^[30]

José Peraza (top) andMartín Pérez

• On December 2,Sandy León was traded to theCleveland Indians for minor league pitcher Adenys Bautista,Trevor Kelley was claimed off of waivers by thePhiladelphia Phillies,^[31] and the team declined to tender offers toMarco Hernández andJosh Osich, making them free agents.^[32]
• On December 4, Hernández and Osich were re-signed to one-year contracts.^[33]
• On December 4, former assistant pitching coachBrian Bannister left the Red Sox for a front-office position with theSan Francisco Giants.^[34]
• On December 9, the team announced contract extensions for executivesRaquel Ferreira, Eddie Romero, and Zack Scott, under which they each hold the title of Executive Vice President / Assistant General Manager.^[35]
• On December 10, sportswriterNick Cafardo ofThe Boston Globe, who died while reporting on spring training in February 2019, was named the 2020 recipient of theJ. G. Taylor Spink Award by theBaseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).^[36]
• On December 12, the team selected shortstopJonathan Araúz from theHouston Astros in theRule 5 draft.^[37] Additionally, pitcherRick Porcello was reported to have reached agreement with theNew York Mets on a one-year contract,^[38] and the Red Sox were reported to have reached one-year agreements with infielderJosé Peraza, formerly of theCincinnati Reds,^[39] and pitcherMartín Pérez, formerly of theMinnesota Twins^[40]—each signing to be officially confirmed.
• On December 13, Peraza officially signed with the Red Sox.^[31]
• On December 16, Porcello officially signed with the Mets.^[41]
• On December 19, Pérez officially signed with the Red Sox.^[31]
• On December 20, the Red Sox selected pitcherChris Mazza off of waivers from the Mets.^[31]

• On January 2, the team signed catcherKevin Plawecki, whileSam Travis wasdesignated for assignment.^[42] Travis cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.^[43]
• On January 7,The Athletic published a report alleging that the2018 Red Sox broke MLB rules by using a video replay room during regular season games to decipher the signs of opposing catchers, according to three unnamed sources who were with the team that year.^[44]
• On January 10, it was reported that the team reached agreement with multiple arbitration-eligible players for the 2020 season:Matt Barnes,Mookie Betts,Jackie Bradley Jr.,Heath Hembree, andBrandon Workman.^[45]
• On January 10, the Red Sox acquired pitcherAustin Brice from theMiami Marlins in exchange for minor league second baseman Angeudis Santos.^[42] In a corresponding move,Marco Hernández was designated for assignment; he was sent outright to Pawtucket on January 16.^[42]
• On January 13, MLB's findings regarding theHouston Astros sign stealing scandal were announced, including that Boston managerAlex Cora—who was bench coach for the2017 Astros—"was the only non-player involved in the subterfuge", raising the possibility that Cora may also face discipline from MLB.^[46]
• On January 14, the Red Sox and Cora mutually agreed to part ways.^[47]
• On January 15, the team traded Sam Travis to theTexas Rangers in exchange for pitcherJeffrey Springs; to create room on the 40-man roster,Bobby Poyner was designated for assignment.^[48]
• On January 17, the team acquired pitcherMatt Hall from theDetroit Tigers in exchange for minor league catcher Jhon Nuñez.^[49] In a corresponding move,Travis Lakins was designated for assignment.^[42]
• On January 21, Lakins was traded to theChicago Cubs for future considerations, and Poyner was assigned outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.^[42]
• On January 28, the team re-signedMitch Moreland to a one-year contract. To make room on the 40-man roster,Denyi Reyes was designated for assignment;^[42] he was later sent outright to Pawtucket.^[50]

• On February 3, "Truck Day", the team's equipment left Fenway Park for Florida.^[51]
• On February 8, the team announced signingAndrew Benintendi to a two-year, $10 million deal.^[52]
• On February 9, it was reported that the Red Sox andLos Angeles Dodgers reached agreement on a trade to sendMookie Betts,David Price, and $48 million in cash to the Dodgers in exchange for outfielderAlex Verdugo and prospectsJeter Downs andConnor Wong.^[53]
• On February 10, the above noted trade was made official.^[50]
• On February 11, the team namedRon Roenicke interim manager.^[54]
• On February 14, the team signed free agentKevin Pillar.^[50]
• On February 19, the team signed free agentJonathan Lucroy to a minor league contract.^[50]

Spring training

• On February 21, the Red Sox defeated theNortheastern Huskies in an exhibition game atJetBlue Park, 3–0.^[55]
• Grapefruit League games for the Red Sox began on February 22, with the team facing theTampa Bay Rays.^[56]
• On February 22, the team namedJerry Narron bench coach.^[57]
• On February 23, the team claimedPhillips Valdez off of waivers from theSeattle Mariners; in a corresponding move, the team placedDustin Pedroia on the 60-dayinjured list.^[50]

• On March 5, the team signedCollin McHugh to a one-year contract; in a corresponding move,Héctor Velázquez was designated for assignment.^[58]
• On March 8, Velázquez was claimed off of waivers by theBaltimore Orioles.^[59]
• On March 12, MLB cancelled remaining spring training games and announced that the start of the regular season would be delayed by at least two weeks, due to thecoronavirus pandemic.^[60] Four days later, the start of the season was moved back to at least mid-May.^[61]
• On March 19, the team announced thatChris Sale would undergoTommy John surgery.^[62]
• On March 27, roster moves were frozen until the start of the season, as part of an agreement reached between MLB and theMajor League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).^[63]
• On March 30, the team announced that Sale successfully underwent Tommy John surgery in Los Angeles.^[64]

• On April 13,Steve Pearce (who had become a free agent at the end of October) announced his retirement.^[65]
• On April 22, commissionerRob Manfred issued findings from the investigation about electronic sign-stealing by the 2018 Red Sox. The findings focused on the actions of the team's replay operator, who as a result was suspended for the 2020 season (including postseason) and the team forfeited their second-round selection in the2020 MLB draft.^[66] The team subsequently removed the "interim" tag from Roenicke's title.^[67]
• On April 29, the team announced that they would be offering refunds, credits, or exchanges for tickets to home games that had been scheduled for April 2 through May 28.^[68]
• On April 30, the2020 MLB Little League Classic, which had been scheduled for August 23 between the Red Sox andBaltimore Orioles inWilliamsport, Pennsylvania, was cancelled.^[69]

• On May 29, the team released 22 minor league players.^[70] Later the same day, the team announced that they would not lay off or furlough any full-time workers, but those making more than $50,000 would have their pay cut.^[71]

• In the2020 MLB draft, held on June 10–11, the Red Sox selected infielderNick Yorke ofArchbishop Mitty High School inSan Jose, California, with their first-round pick.^[72]
  Further information:§ Amateur draft
• On June 20, team presidentSam Kennedy advised that the team would conduct "spring training" activities at Fenway Park, if and when preseason training resumes for 2020.^[73] The most recent time the team held spring training in Massachusetts was during World War II, when the team trained atTufts University inMedford prior to the1943 season.^[73]
  Further information:List of Boston Red Sox spring training venues
• On June 23, MLB announced that pre-season training would resume by July 1, in anticipation of a regular season of 60 games, expected to start on July 23–24.^[5]
• On June 28, the team announced a 47-player pool for the resumption of spring training. The list included 37 players on the 40-man roster (not included were Yoan Aybar,Chris Sale, andMarcus Wilson) plus 10 non-roster invitees.^[74] Sale was moved to the 45-day injured list (reduced from 60-day for 2020) later the same day.^[75]
• On June 30, it was announced that the 2020Minor League Baseball season would not be played.^[76]

• On July 2, the team addedJonathan Lucroy to the preseason player pool as a non-roster invitee.^[77]
• On July 3, the team held its first "summer camp" preseason workout at Fenway Park.^[78]
• On July 4, the team announced that pitchersDarwinzon Hernández andJosh Taylor tested positive for COVID-19.^[79]
• On July 6, the MLB schedule for each team to play a 60-game regular season was announced—the Red Sox' season spans from July 24, Opening Day at home against theBaltimore Orioles,^[80] to September 27, ending the season with a road game at theAtlanta Braves.^[81]
• On July 18, managerRon Roenicke namedNathan Eovaldi the starter for the team's opening game against Baltimore on July 24.^[82]
• On July 19, the team announced that pitcherCollin McHugh would not play during 2020, noting that McHugh's "elbow was not responding as he had hoped" following a non-surgical procedure during the offseason.^[83][84]
• On July 21, the team acquired pitcherDylan Covey from theTampa Bay Rays.^[77]
• On July 23, the team announced its 30-man roster forOpening Day; it consisted of 15 pitchers, 3 catchers, 7 infielders, and 5 outfielders (including the team's usualdesignated hitter,J. D. Martinez).^[85]

Key dates of the team'soriginal 2020 schedule, prior to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, were as follows:^[89][90]

• March 26: season opener atToronto Blue Jays
• April 2: home opener vs.Chicago White Sox
• July 13–16: All-Star break
  • July 14:All-Star Game atDodger Stadium inLos Angeles
• August 23:2020 MLB Little League Classic vs.Baltimore Orioles inWilliamsport, Pennsylvania
• September 27: final regular season game, vs. Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park

July 24–July 26, vs.Baltimore Orioles

Boston's 2020 regular season began on July 24 in a home game against theBaltimore Orioles. The Red Sox took a 4–0 lead after three innings, a 10–0 lead through four innings, and went on to win comfortably, 13–2. Starting pitcherNathan Eovaldi got the win, pitching six innings while allowing five hits and one run; he struck out four batters. The second game of the series was a 7–2 win by Baltimore, withMartín Pérez taking the loss in his debut game with the Red Sox.Mitch Moreland hit Boston's first home run of the season. Baltimore won the final game of the series, 7–4, with Boston starterRyan Weber taking the loss.Christian Vázquez andKevin Pillar hit home runs for the Red Sox.

Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (19–16 runs)

July 27–July 28, vs.New York Mets

In the opening game of a two-game home series against the Mets, New York built an early 7–1 lead through four innings, and went on to win, 7–4.Josh Osich, pitching as anopener, took the loss in his first start for the Red Sox.Mitch Moreland andXander Bogaerts hit home runs for Boston. The second game of the series was also a Mets win, 8–3, giving the Red Sox their fourth consecutive loss.Matt Hall took the loss in his first MLB start.Kevin Pillar was 3-for-4 with two doubles.

Red Sox lost the series 0–2 (7–15 runs)

July 29–July 30, atNew York Mets

Playing another two-game series against the Mets, this time in New York, Boston won the first game, 6–5. StarterNathan Eovaldi allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings for ano decision. With a late 6–3 lead,Matt Barnes allowed a run in the eighth, andcloserBrandon Workman allowed a run in the ninth. Workman, who earned his firstsave of the season, escaped more trouble as the Mets sent seven men to the plate in the ninth.Heath Hembree, who struck out the only batter he faced to end the seventh inning, got the win.Christian Vázquez had a home run and three RBIs. The second game of the series was also a Boston win, 4–2. StarterMartín Pérez got the win, and Workman earned his second save. Vázquez again had three RBIs, coming on two home runs.

Red Sox won the series 2–0 (10–7 runs)

July 31, atNew York Yankees (start of 3-game series)

In the first game of a three-game series atYankee Stadium, the Red Sox scored first on aMichael Chavis home run, but lost to the Yankees, 5–1. StarterRyan Weber allowed three runs and issued four walks in3+1⁄3 innings and took the loss. The Red Sox exited July with a 3–5 record.

August 1–August 2, atNew York Yankees (end of 3-game series)

New York won the second game of the series, 5–2, largely due to a second-inninggrand slam byGio Urshela off of Boston starterZack Godley, who took the loss.Kevin Pillar was the only Red Sox batter with two hits, as the team fell to 3–6. The Yankees complete the sweep on Sunday with a 9–7 victory. In a game with multiple lead changes, two home runs and five RBIs byAaron Judge led the Yankees to the win. Boston relieverMatt Barnes, who allowed three runs in the eighth inning, took the loss. The Red Sox had three home runs; two byXander Bogaerts and one byRafael Devers.

Red Sox lost the series 0–3 (10–19 runs)

August 4–August 5, atTampa Bay Rays

Boston lost the first game of a two-game series to Tampa Bay, 5–1. StarterNathan Eovaldi took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits in five innings while striking out six batters. Boston's run came on aMitch Moreland home run. Boston won the second game of the series, 5–0, to end their losing streak of four games. Starting pitcherMartín Pérez went five innings and got the win, holding the Rays to four hits while walking three and striking out four.Alex Verdugo andMichael Chavis each homered for the Red Sox.

Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (6–5 runs)

August 7–August 9, vs.Toronto Blue Jays

Boston won the first game of a three-game series, 5–3.Alex Verdugo had two home runs, whileMitch Moreland also homered and had three RBIs. Starting pitcherRyan Weber allowed five hits and two runs in three innings, getting a no decision. RelieverHeath Hembree, who pitched the fourth inning, got the win. The second game of the series was won by Toronto, 2–1. Boston's run came on a second-inning RBI byChristian Vázquez; the Blue Jays tied the game in the seventh, then took the lead in the eighth. Red Sox starterZack Godley got a no decision after four innings of work; the loss went toMarcus Walden. Boston won the third game of the series, 5–3, powered by two home runs and three RBIs from Moreland. StarterNathan Eovaldi went six innings, striking out 10 batters and getting a no decision. RelieverMatt Barnes got the win, retiring the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, which was followed by awalk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth by Moreland.

Red Sox won the series 2–1 (11–8 runs)

August 10–August 13, vs.Tampa Bay Rays

In the opening game of a four-game series, each team used six pitchers in a nine-inning game that lasted 4 hours and 24 minutes, with Tampa Bay winning, 8–7.Jeffrey Springs, who allowed three runs in relief, took the loss.J. D. Martinez hit his first home run of the year, whileJonathan Araúz collected his first MLB hit and finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBIs. The Rays won the second game of the series, 8–2. Red Sox starterMartín Pérez, who left the game with Tampa Bay ahead by a single run, took the loss, having allowed two runs on three hits in5+2⁄3 innings. Boston relieverAustin Brice allowed five runs during the Rays' six-run seventh inning. The Rays took the third game of the series, 9–5. Down 8–0, the Red Sox scored all of their runs in the eighth inning, which included the team's firstgrand slam of the season, byJ. D. Martinez. Boston starterZack Godley allowed eight runs on 10 hits in three innings, taking the loss. RelieverRyan Weber held Tampa Bay to one run on five hits in six innings of work. Tampa Bay completed the sweep with a 17–8 win in the final game of the series. Boston starterKyle Hart, making his major league debut, allowed seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks in two innings of work, and took the loss. In the ninth inning, the Red Sox used infielderJosé Peraza and catcherKevin Plawecki as pitchers, infielderTzu-Wei Lin as a catcher, and catcherChristian Vázquez as a second baseman.

Red Sox lost the series 0–4 (22–42 runs)

August 14–August 17, atNew York Yankees

Boston lost the opener of a four-game series to New York, 10–3, with starting pitcherColten Brewer taking the loss.Alex Verdugo homered for the Red Sox. The Yankees took the second game of the series, 11–5, with starterNathan Eovaldi taking the loss. Verdugo andXander Bogaerts each homered for the Red Sox. The Red Sox lost the third game, 4–2, as the Yankees got three RBIs from first basemanMike Ford. StarterChris Mazza took the loss, whileKevin Pillar homered for Boston. New York completed the sweep with a 6–3 win in a rain delayed game, extending Boston's losing streak to eight games. StarterMartín Pérez took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits and three walks in three innings.

Red Sox lost the series 0–4 (13–31 runs)

August 18–August 19, vs.Philadelphia Phillies

In the first game of a two-game set, Boston held a 4–2 lead through five innings, only to give up seven runs in the top of the sixth, en route to a 13–6 defeat.Josh Taylor took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits in2⁄3 of an inning.Heath Hembree allowed four runs on four hits and a walk, facing five batters without recording an out.Michael Chavis became the fourth batter in Red Sox franchise history to strike out five times in a game.^[92] The Red Sox won the second and final game of the series, 6–3, ending the losing streak at nine games.Austin Brice got the win, pitching1+1⁄3 innings of scoreless relief.Rafael Devers homered and had three RBIs.

Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (12–16 runs)

August 20–August 23, atBaltimore Orioles

The Red Sox won the first game of a four-game series against the Orioles, 7–1. StartedNathan Eovaldi earned his second win of the season, holding Baltimore to one run on five hits in seven innings while striking out six batters.Xander Bogaerts andMitch Moreland each homered. Boston next won their third game in a row, via an 8–5 win over Baltimore.Darwinzon Hernández earned the win, after pitching two innings of scoreless relief;Matt Barnes earned his firstsave of the season, following the trade ofBrandon Workman. Bogaerts,J. D. Martinez, andRafael Devers each homered. The third game of the series went intoextra innings, with Baltimore outscoring Boston in the 10th inning, 2–1, for a 5–4 win. The Red Sox had held a 3–1 lead going into the eighth inning. Barnes took the loss, allowing two runs in one-third of an inning of relief.Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first home run of the season. The final game of the series was again a 5–4 win by Baltimore. StarterZack Godley took the loss after allowing three runs on two hits and five walks in2+2⁄3 innings. Bradley andKevin Pillar each homered.

Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (23–16 runs)

August 25–August 27, atToronto Blue Jays inBuffalo, New York

The Red Sox played in Buffalo for the first time since July 6, 1917, when they defeated the minor leagueBuffalo Bisons in an exhibition game, 9–7.^[93] Playing again in Buffalo during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston defeated Toronto by the same score, 9–7, in the first game of a scheduled three-game series. The Blue Jays jumped out to an early 4–0 lead, and led 6–3 before the Red Sox scored six runs in the sixth inning.Phillips Valdéz, who pitched two innings of scoreless relief, got his first MLB win.Rafael Devers had three RBIs. Toronto won the second game of the series, 9–1. Boston's only run came in the fourth inning on aMitch Moreland home run. StarterColten Brewer took the loss. The final game of the series was postponed, one of various games in professional sports not played following theshooting of Jacob Blake.

Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (10–16 runs)

August 28–August 30, vs.Washington Nationals

Washington won the opener of a three-game series, 10–2. StarterMartín Pérez allowed six runs on eight hits and took the loss. Boston won the second game of the series, 5–3. StarterChris Mazza allowed six hits and three runs in2+1⁄3 innings, with ano decision.Ryan Brasier, one of six relief pitchers, got the win, withMatt Barnes (baseball) getting the save.Xander Bogaerts andKevin Pillar each homered. Boston also won the final game of the series, 9–5. The win went to relieverJosh Osich, who pitched1+1⁄3 scoreless innings, after starterZack Godley allowed five runs on eight hits in4+2⁄3 innings.Rafael Devers had two home runs, while Bogaerts andBobby Dalbec each homered. The game was Dalbec's MLB debut, following the trade ofMitch Moreland.

Red Sox won the series 2–1 (16–18 runs)

August 31, vs.Atlanta Braves (start of 3-game series)

The opening game of a three-game series was won by Atlanta, 6–3. StarterColten Brewer took the loss, having allowed five runs on eight hits in four innings. Three of those runs came on a triple allowed by relieverPhillips Valdéz, who entered the game after Brewer had loaded the bases in the fifth inning.Alex Verdugo went 3-for-4 for Boston, as the Red Sox ended August with a 12–23 season record, last place in theAL East.

September 1–September 2, vs.Atlanta Braves (end of 3-game series)

Atlanta won the second game of the series, 10–3, led by three home runs and six RBIs fromRonald Acuña Jr. Boston starterRyan Weber had a no decision, allowing two runs in four innings; the loss went to relieverRobert Stock, allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning. In the third game of the series, Atlanta completed the sweep with a 7–5 win. The Braves'Adam Duvall had three home runs and five RBIs. Red Sox relieverAndrew Triggs took the loss after allowing three runs on five hits in three innings.Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for Boston.

Red Sox lost the series 0–3 (11–23 runs)

September 3–September 6, vs.Toronto Blue Jays

The opener of a five-game series with Toronto went to extra innings, with the Blue Jays scoring four times in the top of the 10th inning for a 6–2 win. Boston had led, 2–0, through six innings. StarterMartín Pérez held Toronto to one run on three hits through6+2⁄3 innings. RelieverPhillips Valdéz took the loss.Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for the Red Sox. The next two games of the series were played as a doubleheader, each scheduled for seven innings. Toronto won the first game of the doubleheader, 8–7. StarterZack Godley took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits in three innings.Yairo Muñoz homered for the Red Sox, in the team's fifth consecutive loss. Boston won the second game of the doubleheader, 3–2, batting as the away team since the game was originally scheduled to be played in Buffalo on August 27. StarterChris Mazza received ano decision after holding Toronto to one run on three hits in four innings. RelieverJosh Taylor got the win, whileMatt Barnes earned his fourth save of the season. The fourth game of the series was a 9–8 win for Boston. After leading 4–1 and 6–2, the Red Sox trailed, 8–7, going into the bottom of the ninth. A home run byXander Bogaerts tied the game, andChristian Vázquez later scored the winning run after stealing second, advancing to third on a wild throw, and scoring on a ground ball hit by Muñoz. Boston also had home runs byJ. D. Martinez, Bradley Jr.,Bobby Dalbec, andRafael Devers.Mike Kickham, who pitched two innings of scoreless relief, got the win, his first in MLB. Toronto won the fifth and final game of the series, 10–8. StarterAndrew Triggs had a no decision after holding the Blue Jays to one run on three hits in three innings. The loss went to relieverMatt Hall, who allowed six runs on four hits and four walks in1+2⁄3 innings. The Red Sox had home runs by Bogaerts, Dalbec,Kevin Plawecki, andJosé Peraza.

Red Sox lost the series 2–3 (29–34 runs)

September 8, atPhiladelphia Phillies (doubleheader)

In a two-game series played as a doubleheader, Boston split with Philadelphia. The first game was won by the Phillies, 6–5, as they scored two seventh-inning runs for a come-from-behind win. Boston starterMartín Pérez had a no decision, with relieverMatt Barnes getting a blown save and the loss.Rafael Devers homered twice, withAlex Verdugo andBobby Dalbec also homering. Boston win the second game, 5–2, with starterChris Mazza earning the win and relieverMarcus Walden getting the save. Dalbec again homered.

Red Sox tied the series 1–1 (10–8 runs)

September 10–September 13, atTampa Bay Rays

Boston won the opener of a four-game series with Tampa Bay, 4–3. StarterMike Kickham had a no decision, holding the Rays to two runs on three hits in four innings. RelieverRyan Weber got the win, allowing one run in2+1⁄3 innings.Matt Barnes earned his fifth save of the season.Rafael Devers andBobby Dalbec each homered; it was Dalbec's fifth consecutive game with a home run.^[94] Tampa Bay won the second game, 11–1, after starting the game with a batting order consisting of nine left-handed hitters, a first in modern MLB history.^[95] BostonopenerAndrew Triggs had a no decision, with relieverMatt Hall taking the loss after allowing four runs on six hits in2+1⁄3 innings. Tampa Bay won the third game of the series, 5–4. StarterNathan Eovaldi, returning from the injured list, allowed one run on three hits in three innings. RelieverMarcus Walden took the loss, pitching the seventh inning and allowing what proved to be the winning run.Michael Chavis andChristian Arroyo each homered. The Red Sox had six stolen bases against Rays starterTyler Glasnow. The loss, Boston's 31st of the season, ensured a losing record and eliminated the team from division title contention.^[96] Boston won the final game of the series, 6–3. StarterMartín Pérez earned his third win of the season, with Barnes notching his sixth save. Arroyo andChristian Vázquez each homered.

Red Sox tied the series 2–2 (15–22 runs)

September 15–September 17, atMiami Marlins

Boston won the first game of a three-game series, 2–0, with pitcherTanner Houck earning the win in his MLB debut, striking out seven batters in five scoreless innings while holding the Marlins to two hits.Matt Barnes earned his seventh save of the season. The second game of the series was a win for Miami, 8–4. Red Sox starterMike Kickham took the loss, allowing six runs on seven hits in2+2⁄3 innings.J. D. Martinez homered for Boston. The Red Sox won the final game of the series, 5–3, with starterNathan Eovaldi earning the win, and Barnes recording his eighth save.Rafael Devers homered.

Red Sox won the series 2–1 (11–11 runs)

September 18–September 20, vs.New York Yankees

The Yankees won the first game of a three-game series, 6–5 in 12 innings. Boston had a 4–0 lead through six innings, but allowed New York to tie the game, 4–4, to force extra innings. Boston starterMartín Pérez had held New York scoreless in six innings of work, while notching seven strikeouts. RelieverRyan Weber took the loss, whileChristian Arroyo homered, andJ. D. Martinez went 0-for-6 and saw his average drop below theMendoza Line. New York won the second game, 8–0, with starterChris Mazza taking the loss after allowing four runs on five hits in four innings. It was Boston's 34th loss yet first shutout of the season. The loss eliminated the Red Sox from playoff contention.^[97] Boston won the final game of the series, 10–2, as the win went toTanner Houck, who held New York to one hit and one unearned run in six innings.Michael Chavis had two home runs; Martinez andBobby Dalbec also homered.

Red Sox lost the series 1–2 (15–16 runs)

September 22–September 24, vs.Baltimore Orioles

Boston defeated Baltimore, 8–3, in the opener of a three-game series. Starting pitcherNick Pivetta earned the win in his Red Sox debut, allowing one run on four hits in five innings while striking out eight batters.Matt Barnes earned his ninth save of the season, whileChristian Vázquez homered. The second game was also a Boston win, 9–1, as starter and winning pitcherNathan Eovaldi went six innings while allowing no runs on seven hits and striking out eight. Baltimore won the final game of the series, 13–1. StarterMartín Pérez allowed six runs on nine hits in four innings and took the loss, in Boston's final home game of the season.

Red Sox won the series 2–1 (18–17 runs)

September 25–September 27, atAtlanta Braves

The first game of the final series of the season was won by Atlanta, 8–7 in 11 innings. StarterChris Mazza had a no decision after allowing one run on four hits in five innings. RelieverJeffrey Springs took the loss after giving up awalk-off home run toFreddie Freeman.Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for Boston, while Atlanta'sRonald Acuña Jr. hit the longest home run of the 2020 season, at 495 feet (151 m).^[98] Boston won the middle game of the series, 8–2, withTanner Houck notching his third win in three starts. All of Boston's runs came in the second inning, including four on agrand slam byChristian Vázquez.Bobby Dalbec also homered. Boston won the final game of the series, and of their season, 9–1. StarterNick Pivetta got the win, holding Atlanta to one run on four hits in five innings. Bradley Jr.,Xander Bogaerts,J. D. Martinez, andJonathan Araúz each homered, as the team finished the season in last place in theAL East, with a 24–36 record.

†Minimum 3.1plate appearances per team games played
   AVG qualified batters: Bogaerts, Bradley, Devers, Martinez, Vázquez, Verdugo
‡Minimum 1inning pitched per team games played
   ERA & WHIP qualified pitchers: Pérez