Inside The Red Sox

Red Sox Hurler Skipping Next Start Due To Arm Fatigue, Low Fastball Velocity

Alex Cora believes Boston's right-hander needs a rest

Colin Keane

Jul 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) leaves the field in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) leaves the field in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora knows when a starting pitcher is running out of gas.

Such is apparently the case with Boston’s right-hander Nick Pivetta, who has been ordered by Cora to skip his next start on account of arm fatigue.

Cora and Boston’s coaching staff recognized diminished fastball velocity in Pivetta’s recent outing, which was concerning. They believe that an extended rest will do Pivetta’s arm some good as he prepares for the remainder of the regular season and, hopefully, a deep playoff run.

The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham broke the news of Pivetta’s arm fatigue on Wednesday night, replete with comments from Cora.

“We’re going to skip his start,” Cora said, per Abraham. “He’s not responding well out of [the last] one. We do believe that skipping one [and] using the off day, we're going to re-set him and he should be fine. We didn't like the velocity of the fastball. The other pitches were OK.”

Boston’s pitching staff and bullpen also received good news on Wednesday: Chris Martin has been reactivated.

Will the Red Sox be able to complete a road sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night?

More MLB: Red Sox Slugger Headed To Injured List With Worsening Lower Leg Infection

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Colin Keane
COLIN KEANE

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for "Boston Red Sox On SI." Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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