For the Red Sox in recent weeks, the performance of the rotation has started to match preseason expectations — even if its composition has not.
The much-ballyhooed starting staff has been upended by injuries, with Sonny Gray (hamstring) and Garrett Crochet (shoulder) spending time on the injured list, Ranger Suarez (hamstring) having his start over the weekend postponed, and depth option Johan Oviedo (elbow) landing on the 60-day IL. Though Brayan Bello has been healthy, his struggles prompted an audible last week, with an opener employed in front of him.
Often, that array of issues is a precursor to disaster. Yet even with the Sox having to dip deep into depth, over the last 14 games, they are 8-6, remaining within reach of the crowded (and mediocre) field of American League wild-card contenders.
The foundation of the team’s improved recent performance? A steadying rotation that has posted a 2.99 ERA, tied for fourth-best in baseball in that time.
Read more from Alex Speier at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
