"It seems like nothing compared to 2006," said Epstein, referring to a second-half collapse two years ago that included a catastrophic knee injury to Jason Varitek. "It's probably more than our fair share, but nothing to complain about. It's something other teams are going through too.

"I feel like we haven't had our true lineup all year," added Epstein. "It seems like there's always someone or another out. We're just looking for the best possible lineup on a night-to-night basis."

Right fielder J.D. Drew has battled through back issues all season; David Ortiz hasn't been himself all year after missing nearly two months with a left wrist injury; and Sox third baseman Mike Lowell has had two separate stints on the DL this season with thumb and oblique muscle woes. That doesn't even include the assorted bumps and bruises that afflicted regulars like Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia among others.

Injuries have also pushed both Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett to the 15-day disabled list with legit issues concerning their pitching arms, and caused a bit of a pitching carousel at points this summer.

Despite all the assorted injuries on the Sox front through the month of August, the intrepid baseball team managed to put together an 18-9 record, the second-best winning percentage in the AL behind the amazing Tampa Bay Rays. The survival strategy -- according to those in the know -- comes down to a strong host of bench players and a seemingly endless reserve of young prospects ready to fill in during times of big league need.

"I think it's a testament to our depth and to our young guys being able to step right in," said Lowell. "Jed Lowrie has done an unbelievable job. I'm hoping all our guys get healthy soon, and maybe we can get on an even better run and get to the postseason.

"Hopefully we can get on one of those rolls where we feel like things are really clicking because it feels like it's been a battle all year," added Lowell. "If it wasn't one guy, then it was another."

RED SOX 7, ORIOLES 4: Paul Byrd allowed three solo home runs to the O's, but gutted through seven innings to earn his first victory at Fenway Park as a member of the Red Sox. Jason Varitek and Jeff Bailey both clobbered home runs and Dustin Pedroia belted a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning that broke things open.