The Boston Red Sox have reinstated right-hander Brayan Bello from the 15-day injured list. In a corresponding move, the Red Sox optioned reliever Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester following Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Bello, 25, is scheduled to start tonight as he returns to the rotation after dealing with right shoulder soreness.
“Obviously, he’s a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish,” manager Alex Cora said to WEEI about Bello. “Velocity’s up, which is very important for us. The action of his pitches are good. We know what we can do.”
Cora said he hopes to get five innings out of Bello against Seattle.
Brayan Bello Returns with Zack Kelly Sent Down
Bello missed the first week of spring training due to the shoulder issue and began the regular season on the injured list after not appearing in any Grapefruit League games. Over four rehab starts—three with Triple-A Worcester and one with Double-A Portland—he allowed 12 runs (11 earned) on 18 hits and four walks while striking out 21 across 14 innings.
While Bello was a mixed bag of results in 2024 after signing a six-year contract extension last March, Cora believes his pitcher gained valuable experience.
“He learned a lot throughout the season,” said Cora. “Didn’t start as well. We reintroduced the four-seamer to lefties. I think that was very important, and he learned how to use it.
“Change speeds, velocity was good throughout the season. And for him to go, you know, 30-plus starts, I think it was right? That was very important. And now he understands, so just go out there and pitch.”
Through his first 21 starts in 2024, Bello posted a 5.16 ERA through 111 2/3 innings, pitching an average of 5.1 innings pitched per outing. His record was 10-5.
Bello Is the First Wave of Rotation Reinforcement
With Bello returning, the Red Sox are preparing to solidify their starting rotation. Lucas Giolito, signed as a free agent in January 2024, is also nearing his return. After undergoing an internal bracing procedure on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow last year, Giolito made his fourth rehab start on Sunday for Double-A Portland. He stretched out to five innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out four on 65 pitches.
Once Giolito is ready to rejoin the staff, he and Bello will slot into a rotation that already features Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Tanner Houck. Richard Fitts had performed well in a fill-in role before a pectoral strain sent him to the 15-day injured list. Getting the rotation back to full strength would be a major boost for a team that’s struggled to find consistency early in the season.
Main Photo: © David Butler II-Imagn Images
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