Monday, July 14 | Follow Globe Sports

BATTING LEADOFF

Before going their separate ways for a few days, the Red Sox ran it back one more time against the Rays: another home run from Ceddanne Rafaela, another strong start from Brayan Bello, and another win, 4-1, Sunday afternoon.

That made 10 in a row, the Red Sox’ longest winning streak since July 2018.

Heading into the All-Star break, they are 53-45 and in possession of the second American League wild-card spot, a successful outcome after an eventful and occasionally chaotic unofficial first half of the season.

Read Tim Healey's full story at Globe.com/Sports

TO THE LINKS

CALL TO ARMS: The Red Sox used their first-round pick to nab 20-year-old Oklahoma righthander Kyson Witherspoon, viewed by some as the top college righthander in this year’s class. Alex Speier has more on the 15th overall selection.

NOW WHAT?: If Tanner Houck is healthy when his minor league rehab assignment expires this week, the Red Sox must figure out what to do with him: Put him back in the rotation, put him in the bullpen, or send him to the minors. Tim Healey examines the issue.

SECONDARY MOVE: Is there a connection between Ceddanne Rafaela hitting so well and playing only center field? Peter Abraham writes that we’re about to find out.

CLUTCH PERFORMERS: One day after Rafaela boosted the Red Sox to a 5-4 win with a walkoff, two-run home run that soared over the Green Monster, Garrett Crochet delivered the first shutout — and first complete game of any sort — of his career, a 1-0 victory over the Rays.

DRAFTING A PLAN: The 2025 MLB draft resumes on Monday at 11:30 a.m. Boston is set to make 17 selections in Rounds 4 through 20. You can follow along with MLB.com or right here, as the Globe will be tracking picks live.

DOYLE RULES: For the first time in 32 years, a New Hampshire native was selected in the first round of the MLB amateur draft. Matty Wasserman has more on Liam Doyle, a Derry native who was selected by the Cardinals with the fifth pick.

2,000 FOR TITO: Terry Francona became the 13th manager in major league history to reach 2,000 wins when the Reds beat the Rockies, 4-2, on Sunday.

ROCK BOTTOM: A visit to the Rockies clubhouse during their recent trip to Fenway Park found that there is little interest in the worst team in baseball. Peter Abraham has more on a Colorado squad that needs to find ways to gauge their progress beyond the standings.

See more of our Red Sox coverage here.

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