Yankees Eliminate Red Sox as Gray’s Future Remains Unclear

The New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox from the playoffs with a 9-2 win in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series on Wednesday, ending Boston’s 2026 season. Red Sox starter Sonny Gray was removed with two outs in the fifth inning, and afterward said he wanted the chance to keep pitching and was uncertain whether he would continue his career or return to Boston. Gray said he felt strong and confident when manager Chad Tracy took him out. He had thrown 70 pitches and allowed a solo home run and several hits. With two outs and runners at the corners, Tracy brought in left-hander Erik Miller. Cody Bellinger singled against Miller to extend New York’s lead, and the Yankees added seven runs over the next two innings, according to one account of the game. Gray said he would have liked to be trusted to face the hitters himself. His remarks expressed frustration with the decision, but he also said he was proud of his outing and was not ready for the season to end. He allowed two runs on six hits, walked none and struck out five in 4⅔ innings. The loss left Gray’s own next step unresolved. He said he did not know what the future held and would not rule out retirement.