Trailing the surging Baltimore Orioles by three games, the Boston Red Sox face monumental pressure tonight when the ...

Just kidding.

Yes, Baltimore is three games ahead of Boston, after NINE games.

Not worth getting all the worked up about, is it?

Take a look at the AL East standings after Thursday's games:

Toronto (8-3)
Baltimore (6-3)
New York (5-5)
Tampa Bay (4-6)
Boston (3-6)

It is almost upside down of what has been predicted. Time will tell.

As much as everyone worries about Boston's pitching, the Red Sox could get a better boost from its top three in the order: Jacoby Ellsbury (.194), Dustin Pedroia (.179) and David Ortiz (.176).

Only 153 games for them to turn it around.

In Pawtucket, lefty Kris Johnson continues to prove his promotion to Triple-A was no fluke. After two starts, his ERA remains 0.00. On Thursday, Johnson went 5 innings (2 H, 2 BB, 3 K).

PawSox outfielder Jeff Corsaletti (sore arm) went on the DL, replaced by Sean Danielson.

Portland first baseman Lars Anderson is starting to get going. He went 2-for-4 with two doubles.

Salem lost a doubleheader, but outfielder Jason Place went a combined 4-for-7.

Greenville catcher Tim Federwicz, a 7th round pick last June, is batting. 306 after a 2-for-4 night.

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