

BOSTON — It’s going to take more than a players-only meeting for the Red Sox to turn things around.

Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz tried to rally the troops behind closed doors following a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays during Boston’s recent road trip. The Red Sox still haven’t gained traction, however, leaving Pedroia with only one possible solution to the club’s struggles after Friday’s 12-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park.

“Less talk. More play,” Pedroia said, simplifying matters as much as possible.

Offense has been the Red Sox’s biggest issue this month, as Boston entered Friday having scored two or fewer runs in seven of its last nine games. Red Sox starter Rick Porcello faltered in Boston’s series opener against Los Angeles, though, particularly in the fifth inning, when the Angels scored nine runs to blow the game wide open.

The Red Sox have been outscored 85-49 this month, during which they’ve posted a 7-13 record. Boston is 12-20 over its last 32 games after starting the season 7-3, and it’s clear something needs to change.

“Yeah, we’ve got guys breaking bats after they get out and everything. We’ll put in more bat orders. You know what I mean? The stuff I watch, man,” Pedroia said of whether the current group has enough life to dig itself out of its deepening hole. “Everybody’s pissed. Obviously we’re not playing well.”

Several players have expressed confidence in the Red Sox’s ability to bounce back. Even manager John Farrell has remained on an even-keel. It’s apparent some frustration is starting to set in, though. The team seemingly knows it’s underachieving roughly a quarter of the way through the season.

“It’s baseball. You can’t flip a switch,” Pedroia said. “You’ve got to put the work in and play better.”

The Red Sox definitely need to play better. And quickly.

Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images