The Boston Red Sox have plummeted to a major league-worst 2-7 record, matching the franchise's worst nine-game start in history. Fans at Fenway Park voiced their frustration with chants of "sell the team" during Sunday's 8-6 loss to the San Diego Padres. Young slugger Roman Anthony acknowledged the team's unacceptable performance, saying the struggles are "unacceptable for the fans" and fall short of the standards the team has set.

Boston's high-profile offseason acquisitions have been particularly disappointing. The lineup has produced minimal offense, with Willson Contreras, Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa combining for just 8 hits in 70 at-bats. On the pitching side, Ranger Suarez has been disastrous since signing a five-year, $130 million contract. The left-hander couldn't survive the fifth inning Sunday, dropping to 0-2 with an 8.64 ERA after surrendering a 4-0 lead.

Manager Alex Cora faces mounting pressure as the Red Sox prepare to host NL Central-leading Milwaukee next. Cora emphasized the need to simply "show up" against one of baseball's best teams, but the early-season collapse has already shaken fan confidence. With the worst record in baseball and mounting criticism, Boston's championship aspirations appear increasingly distant as they search for answers.