What happened
The Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays to extend their winning streak to 10 consecutive games. It is the longest run for the franchise since 2016.
Why it matters
The streak lands as a significant reversal for a team that entered July with a losing record clouding its direction. That ninth straight win already had Boston trending toward buying at the deadline, and the 10th only strengthens that case.
With the trade deadline three weeks away, front-office decisions on whether to add or subtract now carry a different weight than they did just weeks ago. A club that looked like a potential seller is instead pointing toward the postseason.
What to watch next
Boston's upcoming games will determine whether the streak holds or the Red Sox come back to earth. How the next stretch plays out will shape how aggressively the front office moves to buy before the deadline.