After undergoing a flurry of adjustments to counter injuries and defensive lapses, the Boston Red Sox have decided to part ways with a recent addition.
Zack Short’s tenure with the Red Sox lasted a mere six days before the decision to designate him for assignment was made following the team’s matchup against the Atlanta Braves on May 7.
Short’s departure likely paves the way for the return of Romy González, a utility player signed by Boston during the offseason. González, who had made two appearances for the Red Sox earlier in the season, was sidelined due to a wrist sprain, necessitating his placement on the 10-day injured list. However, his recovery process took longer than initially anticipated.
The reinstatement of González could potentially address some of the Red Sox’s recent struggles, particularly in offensive production. With a stronger batting record than Short, González’s return may offer the team a much-needed boost, especially in scoring crucial runs.
Boston’s offensive woes were evident in their recent game against the Braves, where they left a staggering 13 runners on base. Jarren Duran’s impressive one-out triple in the fifth inning failed to translate into runs as the subsequent batters struck out, highlighting the team’s struggle to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This issue was also evident in their previous game against the Twins on May 4, where they left eight men on base.
While the Red Sox had a strong showing in terms of home runs earlier in the season, their power hitting has waned recently, resulting in a drop in the rankings to 12th place with 38 homers. Additionally, their high strikeout numbers, currently second highest in the league with 356 strikeouts, underscore the need for improved contact hitting and clutch performances with runners in scoring position.
In more positive news, Brayan Bello has made progress in his rehabilitation, with a rehab start under his belt. His imminent return to the Red Sox lineup offers hope for bolstering their pitching staff and further improving their chances of success.
Brayan Bello in his rehab outing:
2.2 IP
4 H
3 R
2 ER
2 BB
3 SO
51 pitches/ 31 strikes pic.twitter.com/f9R1IuqC2b— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) May 7, 2024
Brayan Bello marked his long-awaited return to the pitcher’s mound after a stint on the injured list due to right lat tightness. His rehab start on May 7 in Portland was a moment of anticipation for Red Sox fans eager to see their ace back in action.
However, Bello’s outing didn’t quite meet expectations. Despite showing glimpses of his usual prowess, he struggled to find his rhythm, allowing two earned runs, four hits, and two walks in just 2.2 innings. While he managed to strike out three batters, there’s room for improvement, particularly in his command.
Nonetheless, Bello’s return signifies a positive step forward for the Red Sox, and with time and continued effort, he’s expected to reclaim his spot in Boston’s starting rotation at full strength.
Meanwhile, over in Salem, Miguel Bleis electrified the crowd with his first home run of the season, adding to the excitement surrounding the Red Sox’s farm system.
Miguel Bleis with a shot & Salem’s go-ahead run in last night’s 2-1 win! pic.twitter.com/ToCAeOvDnQ
— Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) May 8, 2024
Miguel Bleis, heralded as Boston’s fourth prospect, faced a sluggish start at Single-A Salem this season. However, recent games have showcased a marked improvement in his performance.
In a notable turn of events, the 20-year-old slugger smashed his inaugural home run of the season on May 7, propelling his team to a crucial victory. Bleis has notably displayed his prowess at the plate, securing multiple hits in three out of his last four appearances, with two of them resulting in extra bases.
