The Boston Red Sox hit a painful milestone this weekend, and it's not one they'll want to remember. After a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Mother's Day at Fenway Park, the Sox have stumbled to their worst 40-game start in nearly three decades.

Sunday's defeat dropped Boston to 17-23, putting them dead last in the AL East. According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, that mark is the team's worst through 40 games since 1997—a season that ended with a fourth-place finish and a 78-84 record. For a franchise with such a rich history, this is a cold wake-up call.

The numbers are harsh. FanGraphs gives the Red Sox just a 29.6 percent chance of making the playoffs. They're scoring only 3.90 runs per game, ranking 27th in MLB. They're 28th in home runs, 29th in slugging percentage, and 28th in OPS. Over the last two games combined, they've managed just three runs. At Fenway Park—normally a hitter's haven—they're averaging a paltry 2.94 runs per game and own a 7-12 home record.

It's not all bad news. The pitching has been solid, and the defense is holding up. But when the bats go quiet, it's hard to win ballgames. The Red Sox are learning that lesson the hard way.

There is still time. Three-quarters of the season remain, and baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. The turnaround needs to start Tuesday, when Boston hosts the Philadelphia Phillies. The catch? The Phillies are scorching hot, having won 10 of their last 13 games. It's a tough matchup, but for a team looking to climb out of a hole, there's no better place to start than against one of the best.

For Red Sox fans, the gear in your closet might feel a little heavier right now. But as any true fan knows, the season is long, and hope springs eternal. Let's see if Boston can find its swing before it's too late.