The Boston Red Sox have some difficult upcoming decisions to make regarding their playoff roster for the American League Wild Card series. However, one decision might not be as tough as some think it will be.
A rival National League executive told FanSided that the Red Sox have tough decisions to make on whether to carry right-hander Brayan Bello or left-hander Patrick Sandoval in their playoff bullpen. However, it isn't a hard choice in the eyes of a rival National League scout.
"It's not a decision," the scout said. "It's definitely Bello. Sandoval looked horrific in Tampa."
In his last start, Sandoval gave up five runs across seven innings versus the Tampa Bay Rays. He holds a 6.97 ERA in the month of September across five appearances (four starts). Sandoval pitched one scoreless inning in relief on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed just one hit. This was an audition for how he will be used in the postseason if the Red Sox opt to put him on their roster.
The Red Sox have an obvious choice to make between Brayan Bello and Patrick Sandoval to round out their playoff roster
"Bello has been nails, but I guess (the Red Sox) are light on left-handed relievers so I can see why that could be tough," the scout continued.
Bello struggled as a starter earlier in the season, which led to his demotion to the minor leagues. But after coming back as a reliever, the righty was impressive and has posted a 1.98 ERA out of the bullpen this season. In September, Bello has a 2.55 ERA and tossed eight innings of one-run ball in a start against the Rays in his most previous outing.
Sandoval's only relief appearance of the season came on September 24, while Bello notched 63.2 innings out of the bullpen this year. Both options give Boston length, but Bello has out performed Sandoval. The Red Sox have three key lefty bullpen arms in: closer Aroldis Chapman, Erik Miller and Jovani Morán. They also have lefty starters: Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett, one of which could serve in a bullpen role across a three-game series if righty Sonny Gray gets a start. Carrying Sandoval over Bello might come down to the health of a star pitcher.
Garrett Crochet is flying to Fort Myers on Friday to throw an inning of live batting practice on Saturday — avoiding Boston’s bad weather this weekend.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 24, 2026
Playoff roster decision will come after that.
If Red Sox left-handed ace Garrett Crochet can make it back as a reliever, it should be a no-brainer to carry Bello over Sandoval on the Wild Card roster. In order to avoid the Nor'easter, Crochet is traveling to Fort Myers today to throw live batting practice on Saturday at the Red Sox's spring training facility. The Red Sox will then decide whether they will have Crochet on their playoff roster.
Crochet hasn't pitched since April due to a shoulder injury, but has been progressing towards a return. Should he come back, Bello must be on the Wild Card squad pitching out of the bullpen. If Crochet falls out of Boston's playoff plans, it might make sense to put Sandoval on the roster to serve as another lefty relief option. That being said, if we're basing it off performance, the Red Sox should choose Bello.
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