Brayan

Bello

The Red Sox termed this a bullpen game, but Erik Miller essentially functioned as an opener before Bello came in to start the second. Bello struck out four and walked none before leaving in line for the win. That didn’t hold up, though. Bello probably won’t be available to pitch again until Thursday.

Bello needed just 28 pitches to get nine outs to finish off a 14-2 game. He’s certainly making a case for getting more work in close games while having allowed only one run in 16 2/3 innings over four appearances since returning to the majors on July 12. But at least he’s taking some pressure off Boston’s bullpen as is.

Bello took over with the Red Sox down 4-3 in the sixth and then finished the game while the offense added six runs against Cole Irvin. He’s allowed just one run in 13 2/3 innings in his three appearances since being recalled July 12. That’s not consistent enough work to make him useful in mixed leagues, but if he does get his rotation spot back at some point, he’ll be more interesting than he was in April and May.

Bello was almost certainly going to pitch tonight, but it wasn’t supposed to happen in the first, as the Red Sox were surely counting on two or three innings from Rivera before things got messy. Bello stepped in and did a great job of cleaning up, but Boston never did get back into the game. Bello has allowed one run over 9 2/3 innings in his two appearances since being recalled just before the break. It’s still possible that he’ll return to Triple-A at some point, but he’s certainly making a case for sticking around.

Bello hadn’t pitched in 11 days and wasn’t particularly effective during his stint in Triple-A, but one would never know it from his performance today. After taking over from Payton Tolle in the fourth, he faced 14 batters and got 13 outs. A solo shot from Francisco Lindor accounted for the only damage. Bello seemed likely to return to Triple-A after pitching today, but following such a nice showing, we’ll have to wait and see. He could start the fifth game after the break if Ranger Suarez isn’t ready to come off the IL.

As anticipated, Bello rejoins the Red Sox for Sunday’s first half finale against the Mets. It sounds like he’ll be available out of the bullpen if needed on Sunday but is likely to jump into the Red Sox’ rotation following the All-Star break to fill in for the injured Ranger Suarez.

Brayan Bello will remain in Triple-A for now. Rivera made his MLB debut in April, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief in his one appearance. He’s been working in relief in Triple-A, so he’ll likely throw only a couple of innings in his start. Brett Harris figures to be sent down.

Suarez was hurt in his start on Sunday, and the Red Sox wanted to wait to see if he was healthy enough to pitch this week. Unfortunately, he will not make his start on Saturday and will also not be able to pitch in the All-Star Game. Perhaps his teammate Sonny Gray will be chosen to take his place. With the week off ahead of him, Suarez may not miss more than a start or two. Brayan Bello could be an option to start on Saturday.

It’ll depend on whether Ranger Suarez (adductor) is cleared to take the ball following Thursday’s bullpen session. The 27-year-old was demoted to Triple-A Worcester back in early June after struggling to a bloated 6.34 ERA across 61 innings to open the season.

After sending Connelly Early to the IL, the Red Sox won’t need a fifth starter until July 11, so this may only wind up being a one-game trial for whoever gets the elevation. Tracy said the team would choose either Sandoval or Brayan Bello. That said, the context of Sandoval nearing the end of his 30-day rehab window for players on the IL sure makes it seem like Sandoval will be the first choice if he escapes his Saturday start feeling well.