The Red Sox trailed by one run after eight innings against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. Closer Craig Kimbrel was called out of the bullpen to keep it there and give his teammates a chance.

It was the standard move. The lower part of the order was up for the Rangers and the Red Sox had David Ortiz set to lead off the bottom of the inning.

Given the capabilities of the Sox offense, a one-run deficit can disappear in a blink.

Kimbrel also was rested, having not pitched since Friday, and the other late-inning relievers were not. Koji Uehara and Matt Barnes had appeared in three of the previous four games and Junichi Tazawa two.

The right move was a disaster.

Kimbrel allowed four runs and was unable to record an out — both career firsts — as the Rangers beat the Red Sox, 7-2.

Leadoff hitter Elvis Andrus walked on five pitches. Rougned Odor knocked the next pitch into right field for a single.

Jurickson Profar followed with an RBI single to right field. Robinson Chirinos then belted a three-run homer off the light tower in left field.

Kimbrel was booed as he walked to the dugout.

“It’s probably one of the worst outings of my career,’’ Kimbrel said.

Sox manager John Farrell, a man ever cognizant of the feverish media environment in which he works, had what for him was a harsh assessment of Kimbrel.

“What a little perplexing is the leadoff walk,’’ he said. “You’re looking at upper-90s-type stuff . . . A little disappointing here given that we stayed in this game.’’

In 19 appearances this season with a save on the line, Kimbrel has allowed three earned runs over 18? innings and put 12 men on base. That’s a 1.45 earned run average and 0.64 WHIP

In 14 non-save situations, Kimbrel has a 6.75 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. In 13? innings, he has allowed 10 earned runs on 12 hits and 10 walks.

It suggests a lack of focus.

“I can’t say it’s a lack of adrenaline. Even in tonight’s situation, we’re in a one-run ballgame,’’ Farrell said. “You can say the same is still on the line. The numbers bear it out, it’s been a difficult spot for him.’’

There is a trend playing out. Kimbrel actually had a lower ERA in non-save situations in his first three years as a closer, a minuscule 1.29. But in the last three seasons, it has swelled to 5.13.

“I wouldn’t say mentally I go out there any different,’’ Kimbrel said. “Still trying to throw strikes and get guys out. The only difference is when I do my job or get out of the inning, the game’s not over with.’’

Farrell admitted he might have to rethink whether to use Kimbrel in such situations.

“Overall, yes,’’ he said. “But on a night when I’m trying to stay away from guys who have carried a heavy workload, looking for a zero in that case with the middle of the order coming, down a run.’’

Kimbrel knew he would be coming in and wanted to pitch.

“I hadn’t thrown in a few days and our bullpen’s been taxed. They’ve been used a lot,’’ he said. “It’s a situation where I have to get out there and I have to work and keep it close. It just didn’t happen.’’

Kimbrel was the worst part of a bad night for the Sox, who haven’t been able to win three straight since May 29-31. They are in third place in the division for the first since April 19.

The Red Sox had 11 hits, drew five walks, and were twice hit by pitches against six Rangers pitchers. But they were 2 of 16 with runners in scoring position and left 14 runners on base.

Starter David Price faced the Rangers for the second time in 12 days and he again struggled in the first inning, giving up two runs.

Shin-Soo Choo hit the first pitch of the game, a fastball up and over the plate, into the stands in center field.

Ian Desmond singled before Price walked Adrian Beltre. He had two-strike counts to both hitters but could not put them away. Ryan Rua then singled to left field to load the bases.

Price struck out Prince Fielder on three pitches but Andrus was able to lift a fly ball to right field and Desmond scored.

Price allowed three runs on five hits in the first inning of his start against the Rangers on June 24 in Texas. Choo had a leadoff home run in that game, too.

On Tuesday, Price allowed one over the seven innings that followed and struck out nine more. That didn’t mollify him.

“I haven’t executed, that’s the bottom line. My stuff is fine, I’m fine,’’ he said.

The Red Sox rallied to tie the game against Texas starter A.J. Griffin.

Jackie Bradley Jr. led off the second inning with a home run to center field.

Brock Holt doubled to start the fourth inning and took third when Travis Shaw singled to right field. Shaw went to second, believing there would be a play at the plate. But Holt stayed at third and Shaw was tagged out.

With two outs, Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, and Xander Bogaerts drew walks to force in the tying run. The trio saw 17 pitches.

With the bases and two outs, the crowd stood as Ortiz came to the plate. But he grounded into the shift on the right side.

Texas regained the lead in the sixth inning when Andrus singled and scored on a double to left center by Odor.

Price retired the final seven batters he faced, leaving the game after 109 pitches. He allowed three runs on eight hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts.

Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.