The Boston Red Sox have dabbled in the extremes this season — a brutal start to the season followed by a redemption for the ages over a 30-5 stretch, the offense is either unstoppable or doesn't show up at all, we could go on. Brayan Bello is a one-man story of extremes.
Bello began the 2026 season as a starter after two productive years of building up the Red Sox's trust in him. Through five starts, he posted a 9.12 ERA, 2.26 WHIP and he walked 15 batters. His command all but disappeared, as did his ability to maintain composure on the mound.
After his rough start, Bello made a few bullpen appearances before a demotion to Triple-A to try and set him right. On July 12, Boston recalled Bello to use him in a relief role, which has gone swimmingly — the 27-year-old has clocked a 0.85 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 45 strikeouts and seven walks over 52.2 innings in a bulk role. His ERA leads all qualified relievers, just three points lower than San Diego Padres star Mason Miller, and it's otherwise not a close race.
Bello's performance shows he deserves another chance to truly thrive in his new role. The Red Sox should return him to a weekly bulk role behind an opener because they can't deny he's been effective.
Red Sox should give Brayan Bello another shot at a regular bulk role behind an opener
Boston's rotation hasn't looked as dominant as it got used to in the middle of the season. Red Sox hurlers went on a streak of over 10 quality starts, which allowed the offense to find its way enough to give the pitching staff the lift it needs. Since then, some Sox arms have shown signs of fatigue, like rookie Jake Bennett (6.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP over 15 innings in August) and Patrick Sandoval, who's been playing through a blister on his foot for much of his season.
The Red Sox are in the middle of a playoff chase and they're in a position they need to hold. Protecting their pitchers will be key for the rest of the season, as well as putting their best foot forward on the mound every day. Using Bello behind an opener once every five days will not only give Boston another excellent pitcher (if he can keep up his current production) but it gives it a chance to move Bennett or Sandoval to the bullpen to lessen their workload before the games that really matter set in.
The Sox traded for a capable opener in Erik Miller, who's allowed one run on nine hits over 11.2 innings as a starter in his career. Alec Gamboa also posted a scoreless first-inning appearance before Bello's August 17 outing.
The Red Sox have the resources — and the need for rest around the pitching staff — to give Bello another shot a regular role. He's undeniably their best pitcher out of the bullpen and helping him embrace the role could help him get even better.
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