ANAHEIM, Calif.—One of the biggest bats in the lineup is gone, the designated hitter had his worst season in years and injuries have made two starters questionable.

Sound familiar?

Only this season it’s the Boston Red Sox, who suddenly look a lot like last year’s Los Angeles Angels heading into the teams’ first-round playoff series. Game 1 is Wednesday night, with Jon Lester on the mound for Boston against John Lackey.

Hobbled by injuries to outfielders Gary Matthews Jr., Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson and pitcher Bartolo Colon, the Angels got swept out ...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.