In this purgatorial period for the Red Sox, after they clinched a playoff berth over the weekend and before they open the postseason next week, what matters?
The result Tuesday, a 3-2 loss to the Guardians at Fenway Park, was not of major significance.
Of greater note was the how — and what those trends may portend heading into the most important time of year: another ugly outing for reliever Erik Miller, and another night of minimal hitting for the lineup.
The Red Sox (84-73) have dropped three games in a row and eight of their past 12.
Read Tim Healey's story at BostonGlobe.com/Sports. | 
