BoSox Injection
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Red Sox trade deadline bullpen upgrades proving valuable down the stretch

By Sean Penney

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 6: Austin Davis #65 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on September 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Rays won 11-10 in ten innings. The Rays won 11-10 in ten innings. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 6: Austin Davis #65 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on September 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Rays won 11-10 in ten innings. The Rays won 11-10 in ten innings. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox RHP Hansel Robles
BOSTON, MA – AUGUST 12: Hansel Robles #56 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout in the middle of the sixth inning after balking in a run in the sixth inning of a game at Fenway Park on August 12, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Closing experience added to the Red Sox bullpen

Boston had no intention of inserting Robles into the closer role when they acquired him but it’s comforting to know he’s battle tested in high-leverage situations and could close out games in a pinch. He’s logged 12 saves this season, including a pair since joining the Red Sox, and is only a couple of years removed from being a reliable closer for the Los Angeles Angels.

Robles has stepped up as the Wild Card race has heated up. The right-hander hasn’t allowed an earned run in 7 1/3 innings spread over eight appearances this month. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in 15 of his last 17 appearances.

Robles doesn’t have notable platoon splits, allowing nearly identical batting averages to opposing right-handers (.237) and left-handers (.235) with the lefties hitting for a bit more power against him. He can be trusted against hitters from either side of the plate, which is why he’s logged a full inning in 16 of his last 17 appearances.

Relieving Davis for the seventh inning against the Mets last night, Robles retired the side in order and struck out a pair.

The flame-thrower can fire his fastball with upper-90s heat but controlling where it goes has been an issue. He owns a strong strikeout rate at 10.3 K/9 but pairs it with an equally concerning 4.8 BB/9. Robles seems to have found his control this month, striking out 12 with only one walk. If he continues to harness his elite velocity without handing out too many free passes, Robles will be a valuable asset out of the bullpen.

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