What happened: Boston is weighing upgrades at catcher, shortstop, left field and in the bullpen before the Aug. 3 deadline. Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong offer limited offensive upside behind the plate, while Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer leave shortstop unsettled.

Why it matters: The rotation has pitched well, but injuries and rising innings totals among young starters threaten its depth down the stretch. An offense short on punch and a bullpen thin beyond its top four arms make any single acquisition an incomplete answer.

What to watch: Boston must decide whether to pursue one everyday bat or Roman Anthony's health will factor into any short-term move for left field.