Red Sox’ Brayan Bello makes third rehab start, could join Boston’s rotation soon
Bello said he feels “100 percent healthy” after experiencing right shoulder soreness in spring training.
The Red Sox’ starting rotation could be getting some major help in the next week.
Brayan Bello, who experienced right shoulder soreness during spring training, made his third rehab start of the season with the Worcester Red Sox Friday. He said he feels “100 percent healthy” following his latest outing.
“Yeah, I felt good,” Bello told reporters via a translator after the game. “Obviously, a couple pitches left up in the plate. But besides that, I felt very good, physically and mentally. Felt very good and was trying to do my best since first pitch.”
Bello tossed four innings against the Columbus Clippers, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned), plus five strikeouts compared to zero walks.
His innings pitched marked his highest since beginning his rehab assignment earlier this month. Bello threw 2 1/3 on April 1 and 3 1/3 on April 6.
Asked if he feels 100 percent healthy with three starts under his belt, the 25-year-old righty gave a confident answer.
“I believe so. I feel like I’m 100 percent healthy,” Bello said. “It’s been a while (since) I’ve felt this good. My pitches are good, I feel good mentally, I feel good physically. I’m excited about this.”
By the sound of it, Bello could be joining Boston’s rotation soon. Manager Alex Cora said Friday before the Red Sox’ game against the White Sox in Chicago that he wants the pitcher to reach five innings in a start before being activated, but Bello said he isn’t sure if he will need another outing with Worcester.
“I don’t know yet,” Bello said. “If they decide that I need one more here in Triple-A, I’ll do it. If they decide that I’m ready to pitch in a big league game, I’m also ready for it. They haven’t told me anything.”
If Bello indeed tosses another Triple-A rehab start, he would pitch on April 16 for Worcester, and could then start for Boston against the White Sox on April 21. If another rehab outing is deemed unnecessary, he could take Sean Newcomb’s spot in the Red Sox’ rotation and make his 2025 debut against the Rays.
Newcomb has struggled in his three starts for Boston this season. He owns a 4.97 ERA through 12 2/3 innings and has allowed 20 hits and seven walks. The Red Sox may be ready to shake things up and give Bello Newcomb’s spot in the rotation.
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