series/908ef4966a73846da86769a9?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=appeared_on">Red Sox option $55M arm to Triple-A Worcester before Yankees series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Boston Red Sox made a shocking pitching move just before their three-game series against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
According to WBZ’s Dan Roche, the Red Sox are optioning right-hander Brayan Bello to Triple-A Worcester after his difficult outing against the Baltimore Orioles. In the corresponding move, they will add newly acquired left-handed reliever Joe La Sorsa, who is expected to join the active roster before the series opener at Yankee Stadium.
The move follows after Bello surrendered eight earned runs in five innings in the 8-2 loss against the Orioles. His season ERA dropped to 6.34 after 61 innings.
The 27-year-old entered this season with massive expectations after the Red Sox signed him to a six-year, $55 million extension in 2024. However, Bello has struggled to deliver on the mound.
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Inside Red Sox’s decision to option Brayan Bello
Brayan Bello’s strikeout rate has dropped to a career-low 15.6 percent. At the same time, he is giving up 1.48 home runs per nine innings.
Bello has struggled against left-handed hitters, who have slashed a .323/.384/.554 batting line in 147 appearances before Wednesday’s game.
In order to mitigate this issue, the Red Sox have used southpaws Jovani Morán and Tyler Samaniego to start before him against left-handed leadoff hitters. In those games, Bello has pitched to a 0.71 ERA in 25.1 innings. However, both Moran and Samaniego have allowed a run each before Bello comes to the mound.
Bello could still return, assuming he sorts out his mechanics and delivers some good outings in the minor league games.
