Red Sox looking for a pitcher to grab No. 5 starter role
By Sean Penney
Kelly is the latest pitcher to get bounced from the Red Sox rotation, as he was optioned to Pawtucket immediately after failing to make it out of the third inning in his last start on June 1.
A promising outing in his first appearance since returning from the disabled list last month was spoiled when Kelly followed it by allowing 12 earned runs in 7 innings covering his last two starts. He couldn’t locate his fastball and struggled to get a feel for his breaking pitches, which are issues that have plagued him throughout his inconsistent career.
Earlier this week I suggested that the Red Sox may have finally had enough of Kelly after his latest meltdown pushed his ERA to an atrocious 8.46, which would easily rank last in the majors if he had enough innings to qualify. His demotion to Triple-A may have been a signal that he had spoiled his last chance to be a part of this team.
Farrell indicated that Kelly is still in the mix for the No. 5 spot, but perhaps the team would be better served moving him to the bullpen.
"“He’ll go down and start for now, depending on who grabs that fifth spot and runs with it,” Farrell said when asked about Kelly’s role. “He is a power arm, but if his presence in the bullpen would be considered and looked at as an upgrade, I don’t think we would rule that out.”"
Kelly would need to put together a few impressive starts in Pawtucket to work his way back into serious consideration. He would appear to be a long shot to be given another chance so soon, but a future in the bullpen could be a more appealing way to get him back in the big leagues.
Chances at being No. 5: Slim to none
Next: Roenis Elias