BOSTON — The Red Sox found their form in recent weeks and jumped to a season-best four games over .500 entering a four-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston can point to an improved starting rotation after Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito turned their seasons around behind ace Garrett Crochet.

That’s three solid starters to lead the Red Sox forward into the second half. Behind them is where things get interesting.

Walker Buehler struggled mightily over the last month. Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts have moved back and forth from Triple-A Worcester. Tanner Houck, an All-Star last year, got hit hard before an injured list stint and hasn’t looked much better in Triple-A rehab outings.

Boston appears ready to buy at the trade deadline if the team stays on schedule in contention through the end of July. Starting pitching additions should be the priority and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi linked the Red Sox to Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan earlier in the week.

Ryan looks sharp in his fourth full season as a starter with a career-best 2.76 ERA. He’s a durable arm with under team control through the 2027 season. That will drive up his asking price, but Boston could find plenty of reason to validate an investment in a deal.

Should the Red Sox go that route to add the righty, Alex Cora could be looking at a legitimate (hypothetical) postseason rotation built to contend in October.

Game 1: Garrett Crochet
Game 2: Joe Ryan
Game 3: Brayan Bello
Game 4 (if necessary ALWC/ALDS): Lucas Giolito

Boston’s rotation fell apart with injuries and the inability to go deep in games in the second half in recent seasons. Ryan would be a breath of fresh air and a talent upgrade with the top three starters for the Red Sox. The potential deal also opens the path to using arms such as Houck and others in leverage spots out of the bullpen late in the season and potentially in the playoffs.

The Red Sox have choices to make before the trade deadline on July 31. If they play to a level worthy of adding, keep an eye on the starting pitching market.

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