‘There’s a good chance’ Red Sox’ Brayan Bello returns from IL, starts on Sunday vs. Nationals
Bello was placed on the 15-day injured list with lat tightness on April 24.
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After losing several starting pitchers to injury early in the season, the Red Sox may be getting their ace back this weekend.
Brayan Bello could be activated from the 15-day injured list and start against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, according to manager Alex Cora.
“Bello threw a bullpen today, felt good,” Cora told NESN’s Tom Caron before Friday’s game. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, but there’s a good chance he’ll start on Sunday.”
Boston’s No. 1 starter was placed on the IL on April 24 due to lat tightness. Less than two weeks later, Bello pitched in a rehab game with the Portland Sea Dogs.
He allowed three runs and as many hits plus two walks over 2 ⅔ innings, but the right-hander said he felt good physically.
“Obviously, I didn’t have the command I had at the start of the year, but I feel really good,” Bello said on Tuesday through a translator. “I feel really happy, and overall I’ll be ready to go on Sunday when I’m supposed to go.”
The 24-year-old owns a 3.04 earned run average and 26 strikeouts over 26 innings (five starts). Bello’s record stands at 3-1.
The Red Sox are also looking forward to Garrett Whitlock’s return from the injured list. The backend starter was placed on the IL two days before Bello due to a left oblique strain.
Whitlock threw live batting practice on Friday, which signals that his recovery is trending upward.
“He looked great,” Cora said of Whitlock’s throwing session. “He’ll most likely go on a rehab assignment next week and then we’ll reassess the situation.”
Despite the team’s starting rotation being decimated by injuries, Boston pitchers have continued to perform phenomenally in place of its intended arms. The Red Sox still own MLB’s lowest team ERA (2.72) and have tossed the most shutouts this season (6).
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