The Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation is getting a huge boost ahead of Tuesday night’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners. The Red Sox announced that right-handed starting pitcher Brayan Bello has been activated from the 15-day injured list.
In a corresponding move, Boston optioned veteran reliever Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester following their game on Monday against the Chicago White Sox.
The #RedSox today reinstated RHP Brayan Bello from the 15-Day Injured List. To make room, the club optioned RHP Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester following yesterday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 22, 2025
Bello will make his regular-season debut after being on the injured list since spring training. The 25-year-old starter missed the first week of the spring circuit with right shoulder soreness, which led to the Red Sox changing up their starting rotation before the season.
Since he did not pitch in spring training, the young right-handed pitcher made four rehab starts between Double-A Portland (one) and Triple-A Worcester (three).
As for Kelly, the 30-year-old relief pitcher made the Opening Day roster, marking his fourth year with the big league club.
However, the veteran reliever has gotten hit around in his last four appearances. Kelly has given up 11 hits, 10 earned runs (one home run), two walks, and hit two batters by a pitch in seven innings.
He also racked up 10 strikeouts, a 12.86 ERA, and a .334 opponents' batting average over that stretch. In his last appearance against the White Sox on Apr. 20, Kelly allowed three earned runs, a hit, and hit two batters by a pitch.
In seven appearances this season, Kelly has a 1-1 record and 9.00 ERA. Meanwhile, opponents are hitting .293 off him, with a 46.7 hard hit rate (both career-highs). Last season with the Red Sox, Kelly posted a 6-3 record and 3.97 ERA in 49 appearances (three starts).
The 30-year-old relief pitcher will try to get back on track in Triple-A and hopefully return to the majors in the coming weeks.