Yet another setback hits the Boston Red Sox as Brayan Bello joins the list of injured players, this time sidelined due to right lat tightness. The team’s streak of bad luck continues, with Bello’s injury announcement on Wednesday followed by the call-up of right-hander Zack Kelly as a corresponding move.
Bello’s absence adds to the mounting injury challenges facing the Red Sox, who recently lost Triston Casas to a rib fracture, Nick Pivetta to a right flexor strain, and Trevor Story to a shoulder issue. With pitching depth already stretched thin, Boston faces the daunting task of navigating through the next few weeks.
Bello, anticipated to be a cornerstone of the Red Sox rotation in the years ahead, showcased promise in his rookie season and earned a contract extension this spring. Before his injury, he delivered strong performances in 2024, boasting a 3.04 ERA across five starts spanning 26 2/3 innings. While his strikeout rate remains average, his ability to induce ground balls and minimize walks has been notable. Improved defensive support could further enhance his numbers.
The Red Sox face uncertainty regarding Bello’s replacement while he recuperates. Though Pivetta is on the path to recovery, his return is not expected before Bello’s next scheduled start.
The #RedSox today placed RHP Brayan Bello on the 15-Day Injured List, retroactive to April 21, with right lat tightness.
To fill Bello’s spot on the active roster, the club recalled RHP Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 24, 2024
Meanwhile, Kelly’s arrival injects fresh bullpen depth into the team. He made offseason adjustments to his pitching arsenal, refining his slider into more of a cutter and enhancing his changeup grip, resulting in increased effectiveness. With a fastball that Triple-A batters struggle to make contact with, Kelly could play a pivotal role in the pitching staff, particularly if the Red Sox opt for bullpen games during Bello and Pivetta’s absence.
Yet, injuries persist as a recurring challenge for the Red Sox, raising concerns about their season prospects.
