The Boston Red Sox began spring training workouts this week, and the team's starting rotation has been a topic of frequent discussion. The health status of Chris Sale and James Paxton have been front-of-mind, with each missing significant time in recent years, but those thoughts have taken a back seat (for now).
Early health concerns for Red Sox pitchers Nick Pivetta and Brayan Bello
Per reports from Beyond The Monster's Chris Henrique and others, Nick Pivetta needed to stop his throwing session in Fort Myers on Friday due to apparent discomfort of some kind. Red Sox fans on Twitter, always passionate and quick to respond, assumed the worst.
Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta walked off the field after throwing with the trainer. He threw a pitch, crouched over and then walked to the facility.
— Chris Henrique (@ChrisHenrique) February 17, 2023
However, additional information came to light regarding a non-baseball related ailment that Pivetta has been batting of late. Per MassLive's Chris Cotillo, he has been wearing a mask in the clubhouse and the premature stoppage of his throwing session was not due to a physical injury.
Pivetta has been wearing a mask in the clubhouse all week. https://t.co/WWZXUuVrsQ
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 17, 2023
Shortly thereafter, news broke that Brayan Bello is being shut down for a few days after experiencing forearm tightness. MLB teams, including the Red Sox, will always be extra cautious, especially with spring training workouts just starting up. With that said, it's never good news for a pitcher with a power stuff like Bello is experiencing forearm tightness.
Red Sox shutting down Bello for a couple of days because his forearm is a little sore. No imaging on the docket. Expected to resume Monday.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 17, 2023
Chris Cotillo's report on Bello did seem to downplay the severity of the situation a bit, with the team seemingly confident that medical imaging is not necessary and throwing set to resume on Monday (February 20th). This development on Bello's forearm seems like something to keep an eye out for, but it is far too early to start jumping to conclusions.
The Red Sox currently have 7 starting pitchers on their 40-man roster with a solid chance of making the Opening Day rotation: Chris Sale, James Paxton, Garrett Whitlock, Brayan Bello, Corey Kluber, Tanner Houck, and Nick Pivetta.
Kutter Crawford and Josh Winckowski, also on the 40-man roster, started a total of 26 games (combined) for the Red Sox last season. The roster's starting pitching depth doesn't stop there; Bryan Mata, Chris Murphy, and Brandon Walter each have a shot of making their big-league debuts in 2023.
Health-related setbacks experienced by players on your favorite team are never fun. Red Sox fans know this all-to-well after an injury-plagued and highly disappointing 2022 season that resulted in a last place finish in the AL East. We will keep you posted as more information comes out about the current status of Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, and others. But in the meantime, let's remain calm.