Red Sox Send Young Fireballer To Minors In Shocking Move; What's Next For Boston?

Boston made a surprising move Monday afternoon

The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation is starting to get clearer. 

Boston entered the 2023 season with seven pitchers vying for the five rotation spots in Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, Nick Pivetta, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, James Paxton, and Brayan Bello. Many have speculated and expected that once everyone is healthy, Houck and potentially Paxton would be moved to the bullpen and the rotation would be comprised of Sale, Kluber, Pivetta, Whitlock, and Bello.

With Whitlock and Bello already back in the fold and Paxton nearing a return, it has seemed likely that moves to the bullpen would be on the horizon. Boston stunned Red Sox Nation on Monday afternoon, though, as they optioned Bello to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox while recalling left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino, according to the club.

Bello is just 23-years-old old so it's not too surprising to see him go back to the minor leagues to fine tune his mechanics and get back on the right track, but he has made just two starts for the Red Sox so far this season so one couldn't expected a larger sample size. 

In two appearances so far this season the youngster has allowed eight runs in just 7 1/3 innings pitched to go along with eight strikeouts and three walks. Bello struggled in his first appearance and allowed five runs and 2 2/3 innings, but looked stronger in his second outing. The fireballer allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched in Boston's win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. 

Bello likely will be back up with the big league club in the near future, but this move still is surprising seeing as he only had two starts to work with. Bello's move to the minors likely could be because of the fact that Houck has been the club's most consistent starter so far this season. Many have speculated that he would be moved to the bullpen, but Houck has shined in a starting role so this could be a sign that Boston wants to roll with him in the rotation for longer. 

All in all Bello will be alright and will play a major roll with Boston for years to come. Hopefully this stint in the minors can help steer him back in the right direction.

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