The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation hasn't looked too hot to start the 2025 season. Garrett Crochet seems to be the only arm holding the pitching staff together.
Walker Buehler had been his 2024 Dodgers self in his first two outings for Boston, but found his playoff alter-ego in his most recent start against the Blue Jays, when he pitched 6.1 one-run innings with seven strikeouts. Something has changed for Tanner Houck, who posted a breakout season with a 3.12 ERA over 30 starts last year. He was shelled by the Rays for the worst start of his career on April 14 — in 2.1 innings, Tampa Bay rocked him for 11 runs.
Sean Newcomb has also gotten off to a rocky start (4.97 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched) and Richard Fitts just hit the 15-day injured list with a pectoral strain. The returning Brayan Bello may be Boston's only hope besides Crochet.
Bello has been healing shoulder soreness since spring training, and he's reached the tail end of his rehab assignment with the WooSox and Sea Dogs. Ian Browne of MLB.com reported that he needs one more start before he's activated for his 2025 debut. He'll pitch for Double-A Portland on April 17 and is on track to debut on April 22, if all goes according to plan.
Brayan Bello's return could be just the boost the Red Sox rotation needs
4 Ks today for Brayan Bello🔥 pic.twitter.com/nAiOyBtZks
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) April 6, 2025
Bello's rehab assignment ERA leaves much to be desired, but he's been throwing strikes at a high clip. The righty has clocked a 6.52 ERA with 14 strikeouts and three walks in 9.2 innings of work. Bello has increased his pitch count with every start, and his first, shortest outing was his worst, performance-wise. He allowed four runs in 2.1 innings on April 1 and two runs in four innings on April 11.
Before the 2024 season, the Red Sox signed Bello to a six-year, $55 million contract extension. His season that followed doesn't stand out on the stat sheet, but his second half was much improved from his first. Bello pitched to a 4.49 ERA over 162.1 innings over a career-high 30 starts — he clocked a 5.32 ERA in 89.2 innings before the All-Star Break and a 3.47 ERA in 72.2 frames afterward.
Bello's 2025 debut affords him a chance to rise to the potential the Red Sox see in him. If he brings his second-half self to the mound in his return, he could occupy the No. 2 spot in the rotation that remains open with Houck and Buehler performing inconsistently.