Red Sox Clinch Playoff Spot After Early-Season Collapse

Boston, once 14 games under .500, became just the fourth team in MLB history to reach the postseason from that deficit in the World Series era.

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a spot in the postseason, completing one of the more unlikely turnarounds in recent memory. ESPN Insights notes that only three other teams in the World Series era have reached the playoffs after dropping 14 games below .500.

That exclusive group includes the 1914 Boston Braves, the 1974 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 2005 Houston Astros. Two of those clubs reached the World Series, but only the 1914 Braves won it, sweeping the Philadelphia Athletics four games to none.

Boston's low point came at 31-45, but the season changed course just nine games later. The Red Sox ripped off 15 consecutive victories, a streak that pulled them back into contention and kept the front office from selling at the trade deadline.

The club also replaced manager Alex Cora with Chad Tracy, who was promoted from Triple-A during the season, and battled numerous injuries to key players along the way.