Boston Red Sox: Brayan Bello could be just what the pitching staff needs
The Boston Red Sox have cooled off a bit after a torrid stretch during May and June. They have lost their last two series against a divison rival in the Toronto Blue Jays and a team that’s probably already out of playoff contention in the Chicago Cubs. A big reason for that has been because of their pitching staff (more specifically, their bullpen).
With most of the starting rotation on the injured list currently, the bullpen has been tasked with picking up some of the slack, and for the most part, they have. But they have begun to falter recently, and it’s costing the team wins. The pitching staff needs something to liven them up, and they are getting it with the promotion of Brayan Bello, Boston’s top pitching prospect.
Brayan Bello could earn a spot with the Boston Red Sox if he performs well early on
Bello has been drawing the attention of Sox fans all season long for his performance in the minors. Despite starting off the season in Double A with the Portland Sea Dogs, Bello has now rocketed his way to the majors, and will be getting the start in tonight’s series-deciding game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Throughout his time in the minors this year, Bello has posted a 10-4 record with a 2.33 ERA and 114 strikeouts. He was completely unfazed by his early promotion to Triple-A, and has dominated anyone who has stepped into the batters box against him. His success has warranted a promotion to the majors, even though it could amount to just a single spot start before the pitching staff gets healthy.
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Bello features a fastball/changeup/slider combo that has worked quite well for him. His ability to switch between a normal four-seam fastball and a two-seamer that runs down in the zone has kept hitters on their toes all season long. His slider needs work, but his changeup has turned into his most dominant secondary pitch as he’s developed throughout the minors.
Bello’s addition to the squad should prove to be a spark for a pitching staff that is desperately in need of one. He can provide relief to a bullpen that has been tasked with picking up the slack for a starting rotation that has been decimated by injuries. If he can go deep into games, that means that the bullpen can get some much needed rest.
Both the rotation and bullpen have been running on fumes, and Bello could be just what the team needs to pick them up. He’s proven he’s got electric stuff in the minors, and if he can translate that to the majors, the Boston Red Sox could get an unexpected boost, especially once they get the rest of their squad healthy.
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Bello could end up making just a single start for the major league squad during his initial stint, but he’s got good enough stuff where he could earn himself a spot on the roster, whether it be in a starting capacity, or as a bullpen arm, if he succeeds. As Boston’s pitching staff struggles, Bello could end up being just what they need to get back on track, even if it is for only a short amount of time.