Brayan

Bello

Bello faced just the one batter over the minimum. His velocity is still down 1-1.5 mph from last year, as it was in his two starts for the Red Sox before joining the Dominican team. He was plenty effective today against a lineup that included two MLB bats (Horwitz and Harrison Bader), but what he’s showed so far this spring probably isn’t going to result in a strong ERA versus major league lineups.

It’s an improvement over his two starts before leaving Red Sox camp. Still, not much is going with Bello’s new slider and revamped changeup. He threw the slider seven times today, resulting in three balls, two fouls, a 99-mph grounder and a HBP. The changeup was used just twice. Bello’s next start will come in the Dominican Republic’s third game against Israel.

Bello gave up single runs in both the first and second and then allowed three straight hits to start the third before being pulled. The Braves went on to score 11 runs in the frame. Bello’s velocity is nearly at his usual norms, but his spin rates are down and his cutter was hit hard a few times today. He’s making some changes to his arsenal this spring, so it’s no surprise that he’s having some difficulties. Still, this makes nine runs allowed through 3 1/3 innings in two outings, neither of which he was able to complete as scheduled.

All four runs came in the first, when Bello was pulled after 24 pitches. He came back out for the second and threw 11 pitches in a scoreless frame then. Bello’s velocity was down about one mph from last year. He threw his remade changeup six times for one whiff and five balls.

When Bello debuted with Boston, his changeup was arguably his best pitch. In the years since, he has spent a lot of time trying to find the release and movement on his slider, and his changeup has suffered. This spring, Bello wanted to change the grip on his changeup and has begun taking notes from new teammate Ranger Suarez. He’s also working to bring back the curveball he had early in his career, which would deepen an arsenal that includes a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, sweeper/slider and changeup. The additions of a sinker and cutter have helped Bello induce weak contact and keep his ratios low. Perhaps the curve or changeup could help bring the strikeouts that would lead to a breakout season.

Bello threw just 28 pitches in a losing effort against the Bombers in Game 2 on Wednesday, so he’ll be available if he’s needed on Thursday. Garrett Whitlock will also be available. The only pitcher on the Red Sox’ staff that’s unlikely to be available is Garrett Crochet, and Cora even hinted that he could be in a pinch when saying “probably not” when asked about his availability. Expect an all hands on deck situation as the Red Sox attempt to stave off elimination.

It wasn’t a traditional postseason clunker as Bello surrendered a two-run blast to Ben Rice in the opening frame and was lifted after recording just seven outs and throwing only 28 pitches. Things could’ve gone a lot worse, which is the only consolation here. The 26-year-old righty was outstanding during a couple regular-season starts against New York, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora was unlikely to let him work too deep into this one against a lefty-heavy lineup.

Bello will take the ball for a pivotal Game 2 matchup at Yankee Stadium with Lucas Giolito (elbow) done for the postseason. The 26-year-old was a reliable mid-rotation arm for the Red Sox during the regular season, posting a career-best 3.35 ERA across 166 2/3 innings over 29 appearances (28 starts). Boston skipper Alex Cora indicated it’ll likely be rookie southpaw Connelly Early drawing the starting assignment for a win-or-go-home Game 3 contest, if necessary.

Bello also issued three free passes on the evening while punching out three opposing hitters. The 26-year-old hurler actually shut the Jays out through the first five innings, but ran into trouble to start the sixth as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached on an error, Addison Barger drew a walk and Anthony Santander was plunked to load the bases. Bello then turned the ball over to the bullpen and all three runs scored on Daulton Varsho’s grand slam. Bello got six whiffs on 89 pitches on the night, registering a CSW of 24 percent. He finishes the regular season with an 11-9 record, 3.35 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 124/59 K/BB ratio over 166 2/3 innings of work.

The Red Sox wanted to “Give him a breather,” said manager Alex Cora, which is why Bello is being given some extra rest after four starts in September that have seen him post a 5.85 ERA in 20 innings. It’s nice that the Red Sox are noticing the trend and giving Bello some extra time, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere in the final week of the season.