The Red Sox will come limping into The Bronx tonight for a four- game series with the Yankees. Boston’s season could be over by the time it leaves, but there’s still hope, says WEEI’s longtime Red Sox radio analyst Joe Castiglione.

Q: Do the Red Sox have another run left in them?

A: With (Jacoby) Ellsbury just returning and (Dustin) Pedroia not far behind, I think they do. But since they just had to put (Kevin) Youkilis on the disabled list, that really hurts. The starting pitchers are all back now, so winning nine of 11, 10 of 13 something like that. It will be tough. but it’s still possible.

Q: Are you surprised they are even as close as they are with all the injuries?

A: Terry Francona has done a remarkable job keeping spirits up. And the new players they have brought in have just been outstanding, especially Darnell McDonald. He does everything — bunts, steals, he has been there best pinch-hitter and he plays three outfield positions. Guys that weren’t here to start the season have really stepped up

Q: Was there ever a point where you guys reached your breaking point with all these injuries?

A: The weekend in San Francisco, we were all like, ‘What else can happen?’ because Pedroia got hurt on Friday, (Clay) Buchholz went down Saturday and then Victor (Martinez) followed on Sunday. But look at right now, they are just starting to get guys back, you start to feel good about things. And then Youkilis goes down.

Q: Do the Red Sox have a better chance of catching the Yankees or Rays?

A: That’s very hard to say. Tampa Bay has tremendous talent and outstanding pitching. The Yankees can score a lot of runs and when they are going, they have outstanding pitching, too. Tampa Bay has a better bullpen than the Yankees before you get to the closer, at least. You have to look at head-to-head, though and the Red Sox have six left with the Yankees and 10 with the Rays. One thing I can say for sure is: This series is very important for the Red Sox.

Q: There’s a recent report that ratings have been way down for NESN, the television home of the Red Sox. Why do you think that is?

A: There are several factors: the frenzy that followed the World Series was eventually going to go away and we have seen a bit of a drop off. The injuries are a major factor, also. And the games are just too long. That’s a baseball- wide problem.