The woes for the Boston Red Sox continued on Wednesday as pitcher Brayan Bello was sidelined due to upper back tightness, adding to their mounting pitching troubles this season.
Bello joins a growing list of injured starters, leaving the Red Sox without three of their five main pitchers. This predicament is exacerbated by the absence of Lucas Giolito, a key offseason acquisition who is out for the remainder of the season due to a severe elbow injury.
The decision to place Bello on the injury list was prompted by discomfort he experienced after his recent outing. Despite signing a lucrative six-year, $55 million contract extension, the Red Sox opted for caution, prioritizing Bello’s long-term health.
Manager Alex Cora expressed confidence in Bello’s recovery, assuring fans that the 24-year-old pitcher is expected to return promptly. Cora emphasized Bello’s significance to the team, both in the present and the future, underlining the importance of managing his injury effectively.
Bello’s absence further complicates Boston’s already challenging pitching situation. With Nick Pivetta and Garrett Whitlock also sidelined due to injuries, the Red Sox find themselves in a precarious position despite their solid performance this season.
In addition to pitching woes, the Red Sox have been plagued by injuries in other positions. Shortstop Trevor Story is out for the season with a shoulder fracture, while first baseman Triston Casas is sidelined indefinitely with a broken rib sustained during a recent game.
Cora remains resolute in the face of adversity, stressing the need for resilience and adaptability in the demanding baseball season. While acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries, he maintains a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the importance of players stepping up to fill the gaps.
Despite the setbacks, there are signs of hope on the horizon. Cora provided updates on Pivetta and Whitlock, indicating positive progress in their recovery journeys.
To address Bello’s absence, the Red Sox called up right-hander Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester. Cora opted for Cooper Griswell, recently recalled from the minors, to start in Wednesday’s game, but remained uncertain about Thursday’s starter, hinting at the possibility of further roster adjustments to navigate the team through this challenging period.
