Can The Boston Red Sox Win the Division With a Struggling Jonathan Papelbon?

The Red Sox haven’t given up on winning the A.L. East just yet. For proof, look no further than their usage of Jonathan Papelbon.  Since last Sunday, Boston’s closer has thrown five innings, including three consecutive appearances against Texas and Tampa Bay to start the week. After three days off, he was back on the hill twice this weekend against Toronto. But, the results have not been vintage Papelbon. Despite having six days of rest to start the month, he allowed six hits over three innings against the Rangers and Rays, taking the loss on Tuesday after he gave up a game-tying home run to leadoff batter Dan Johnson, and the lead on back-to-back doubles to Fernando Peréz and Dioner Navarro. On Saturday, he recorded his only clean frame so far in September. But returning less than 24 hours later, he was lucky to get out with a save as Toronto rocked him for what could have easily been more than two runs. Papelbon caught a break as Lyle Overbay was called out on what ... (link)