BOSTON -- With the Red Sox coming off a 10-16 June, manager John Farrell didn't sound surprised to be asked a question about his job security prior to Friday's 5-4 win over the Angels.
"You know, we've come off a tough month," said Farrell. "Finished with a disappointing trip through Texas and Tampa. I can understand the question, and the potential speculation that's out there, but our expectation is to win. That doesn't change. The focus daily is that -- to go out and put together an effort to win."
When the Boston Herald asked president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski on Thursday if Farrell was still the right manager to lead the Red Sox to the postseason, the email reply to the newspaper was a general answer about the team's recent struggles.
"Every club struggles at some point during the year," Dombowski told the Herald. "We have a good club and we feel we will start playing to our capabilities soon."
Farrell said Friday that he feels he has Dombrowski's backing.
"My communication with Dave is very consistent. I think he's confident in my focus, and that is to win each and every day," Farrell said. "That's where we stand. We're looking forward to the opportunity of starting this final homestand before the break, so that gets underway tonight."
The Red Sox play 18 of their next 21 games at Fenway Park.
"Well, it will be important for us to take advantage of it," said Farrell. "We've played well here. The last homestand was a tough one for us in that stretch of June. I think to date, or for the majority of this home schedule, we have thrived on the environment."
Farrell held a team meeting following Monday night's loss to the Rays, and the Red Sox responded with a win the next day. However, they lost their final two games of the road trip.