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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 11, 2022 16:53:56 GMT -5
Jen McCaffrey @jcmccaffrey · 17m Devers isn’t playing tonight. He is taking grounders here pregame though. Cora wants to be careful with the turf, the back plain first cropped up for Devers when he was playing on the turf in Toronto. It’s likely he’ll start tomorrow and they’ll see how he feels rest of series
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 11, 2022 17:16:02 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 9m Of note: Sale is scheduled for tomorrow and tentatively for Sunday. Sox feel can he can go every five days, which wasn't the case coming off TJ.
Florida Complex League Red Sox beat TB 8-1 at Port Charlotte today, went back to Ft. Myers to shower up and are here to see Brayan Bello pitch.
Sox arranged for travel, seats, etc. Seeing Bello a good incentive for those guys, especially the prospects from the DR.
Bello, as you would expect, will not pitch in the Futures Game. MLB will choose a replacement. Doesn't have to be a Sox player.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 11, 2022 17:18:04 GMT -5
Chris Cotillo @chriscotillo · 1m Kevin Plawecki to the COVID list. Connor Wong has been recalled.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:17:42 GMT -5
Brayan Bello struggles again as Boston Red Sox comeback attempt falls short in sloppy 10-5 loss to Rays Updated: Jul. 12, 2022, 12:53 a.m. | Published: Jul. 11, 2022, 10:41 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- For a second time in as many major league outings, top Red Sox pitching prospect Brayan Bello wasn’t at his sharpest Monday night. But he still kept Boston in a back-and-forth game and gave his club a chance to win.
Bello’s effort didn’t matter. After Boston crawled back from a four-run deficit to draw a 5-5 tie, the Rays tagged lefty Jake Diekman for two runs in the sixth inning and tacked on three more late runs en route to a 10-5 in a sloppy game at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox dropped the opener of their seven-game road trip and fell to 47-40 on the year.
Bello, who gave up four runs on six hits in four innings in his debut against the Rays on Wednesday, was wild from the start. He hit leadoff hitter Yandy Díaz with a pitch, then walked Ji-Man Choi before Josh Lowe opened the scoring with a two-run single. After the Red Sox drew within a run on an Alex Verdugo RBI single in the second, the Rays made it 5-1 in the bottom of the frame when Díaz (double), Choi (single) and Jonathan Aranda (single) all had RBI hits.
Boston’s offense kept battling. In the third, against lefty Josh Fleming, Bobby Dalbec walked and Christian Vázquez doubled before J.D. Martinez made it 5-3 with a two-run two-bagger. Jarren Duran’s RBI single made it 5-4 in the fourth. And Xander Bogaerts drove in Martinez with an RBI knock in the fifth inning to tie the game. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
Bello allowed only two baserunners in his final two innings and departed with the score tied. In total, he allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings. The rookie walked three batters and struck out five.
Austin Davis recorded a scoreless fifth before manager Alex Cora turned to the left-handed Diekman for the sixth. Diekman hit Taylor Walls with a pitch, got the first out of the inning, then allowed the go-ahead run when Díaz laced an RBI double into left field. Diekman departed and pinch-hitter Harold Ramirez made it 7-5 with an RBI single off Kaleb Ort. The run was charged to Diekman, who had his team-leading 10th meltdown of the season.
Tampa Bay’s bullpen held Boston’s offense scoreless from that point on. Luke Bard, Colin Poche and Jason Adam retired 12 consecutive batters to end the game. In the eighth, the wheels really came off for the Red Sox. Dalbec dropped a pop-up, Phillips Valdez didn’t cover first base on would-be double play ball and Franchy Cordero couldn’t corral a grounder to end the inning. Tampa Bay went on to add three insurance runs and go up 10-5 (all three runs were unearned).
Díaz led the Rays offensively with three hits and three RBIs. Three Red Sox -- Martinez, Bogaerts and Verdugo -- had two hits. The Red Sox are now 11-21 against American League East teams this year and 4-7 in July.
Sale Day comes Tuesday
Tuesday night’s game brings the 2022 debut of lefty Chris Sale (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who will be activated off the 60-day injured list in time to start. Right-hander Corey Kluber (4-5, 3.62 ERA) will pitch for the Rays. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET at the Trop.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:18:54 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Brayan Bello has ‘great learning experience’ in second straight tough start: ‘There’s a lot of value in struggling’ Published: Jul. 12, 2022, 1:42 a.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
BOSTON -- Brayan Bello’s second major league start, in many ways, went just like his first. He was hit hard by the Rays early, lasted just four innings and the Red Sox lost Monday night, just like in his big league debut Wednesday at Fenway Park. But this time around, at Tropicana Field, Bello settled down enough to let Boston’s offense get the club back in the game.
The Rays tagged Bello for five runs and five hits in the first two innings before he buckled down and -- with the increased use of his four-seam fastball -- held Tampa Bay in check in the third and fourth. In the third inning, he worked around a leadoff double to retire the next three hitters he faced. In his fourth and final frame, he allowed a leadoff single before recording his fifth strikeout of the night, then inducing an inning-ending double play.
Bello’s efforts were enough to allow the Red Sox to climb back from a 5-1 hole and tie the game, 5-5, in the fifth. The bullpen allowed five runs in the final innings of a sloppy 10-5 loss.
Still, Bello’s outing represented a step forward from his first one. And though he’ll likely take a 10.13 ERA back to Worcester with Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi returning to Boston’s rotation, he’ll be able to draw on some of his success Wednesday as he continues to develop at Triple-A.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of growing, a lot of learning,” said manager Alex Cora. “Tonight was a great learning experience for him. We were very pleased with the last two innings. He gave us a chance to win the game.”
The hype around Bello -- who Baseball America ranked as the 24th-best prospect in all of baseball Monday -- makes it easy to forget that he’s just 23 and has only 51 ⅓ innings of Triple-A experience. It’s probable that the Red Sox’ decimated rotation caused them to call Bello up a little earlier than they would have in a perfect world. And it’s important to remember that the bumps in the road are often more valuable than one’s success. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
“Sometimes, you see that it takes guys a little bit of time to get their feet wet up here and slow things down,” said Rich Hill, an 18-year veteran. “I think that’s one thing where just trying to see situations that are happening or things that might speed up on you without the experience. I think that’s what the experience brings, the ability to slow the game down. That’s one thing that comes with time.
“There’s a lot of value in (struggling),” Hill added. “It just all depends on what you’re going to take from the experience as well. You want to make sure that what you’re taking from that experience is going to be positive, what you’re going to learn from it, and use it to your benefit.”
Monday’s game was a good example of Bello learning on the fly. He ditched his two-seamer -- which the Rays hit well early -- for his four-seamer and began to induce weak contact. He ended his night with eight whiffs on 82 pitches, which was an improvement from the six he got on 79 pitches Wednesday. Bello said his two big league outings taught him about the strike zone and that major leaguers are usually looking for a specific pitch when they step in the box. The scouting reports available at the highest level dwarf what’s available in the minors.
“Every time you go out there at this level, you get to learn something new,” Bello said through interpreter Carlos Villoria Benítez. “I feel like I did today. It was not as good of an outing as I expected but I think it was OK.”
After using four different relievers for a combined 5 ½ innings Sunday night, the Red Sox needed Bello to at least go four innings Monday. That, Cora said, was important.
“It’s the big leagues,” Cora said. “Yeah, we’ve got to protect him but we’ve got to protect the rest of the staff. Where we were coming into the game, we were short in a sense.”
Bello doesn’t lack confidence, as evidenced by his behavior in the spring training breakfast line, but it’s unfair to expect anyone -- even the most talented players -- to reach the majors and immediately dominate. The Red Sox hope that what Bello showed -- and felt -- in his final two innings Monday night will help him down the road.
“The pitch mix, I think, is going to help. And the confidence, too. It’s not that easy,” Cora said. “But the talent is there. We know that. He’s still learning how to pitch, he’s still learning how to use his fastball in certain spots. I think the changeup hasn’t been the pitch… he has a good changeup and in the two outings, he has been erratic with it. But you see the potential and he’s going to keep going.”
“I learned that it doesn’t matter how you start,” Bello said. “It’s how you finish. It was really good for me to end on such a good note.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:20:15 GMT -5
Nathan Eovaldi, Garrett Whitlock expected to re-join Boston Red Sox on Friday; Chris Sale slated to start Sunday’s first-half finale Updated: Jul. 11, 2022, 8:21 p.m. | Published: Jul. 11, 2022, 8:16 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chris Sale isn’t the only big pitching reinforcement the Red Sox expect to get this week.
Nathan Eovaldi will likely start Friday against the Yankees and Garrett Whitlock will likely join the team’s bullpen on the same day, manager Alex Cora said before Monday’s game. So Sale will make his season debut against the Rays on Tuesday and both Whitlock and Eovaldi will be back in the mix by Friday, when Boston starts its final series of the second half at Yankee Stadium.
If Eovaldi goes Friday, it will be his first big league start since June 8. He has missed more than a month with lower back and hip issues. On Sunday, he allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four batters in 3+ innings in a rehab start for the WooSox. The righty threw 54 pitches.
“There’s a good chance Nate starts on Friday with us in New York,” Cora said. “He’s moving well, he’s feeling good.”
Whitlock, who has been out since June 9 with right hip inflammation, will pitch two innings in relief at Double-A Portland on Tuesday, then likely join the Red Sox in New York on Friday. He posted a shaky line (2 runs, 6 hits, 3 strikeouts in 2 innings) on Friday for Worcester but Cora thinks Whitlock pitched better than the line indicates.
“It was a lot of early swings and he was trying to get ahead and all that. Just go out there and get your repetitions,” Cora said. “If he’s fine, there’s a good chance he’ll join us in New York.”
Sale will pitch Tuesday and rookie Josh Winckowski will start Wednesday night’s game against the Rays. After that, Kutter Crawford will pitch Thursday (either as a traditional starter or bulk reliever) before Eovaldi takes the ball Friday. Nick Pivetta will pitch Saturday night in New York before Sale returns on regular rest to pitch Sunday’s first-half finale in the Bronx.
“The fact we’re thinking about pitching him Sunday tells you a lot,” Cora said. Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.
OTHER INJURY UPDATES:
* Third baseman Rafael Devers (sore back) was out of the lineup Monday for the third straight game but will likely start Tuesday, according to Cora. Devers is questionable to play Wednesday against ace lefty Shane McClanahan. The Red Sox are being extra-cautious with their best player heading into the All-Star break, which is next week.
* Outfielder Kiké Hernández (right hip flexor strain) was set to visit a doctor Monday after experiencing a setback over the weekend. The Red Sox will know more Tuesday.
* Reliever Matt Barnes (right shoulder inflammation) is scheduled for another rehab outing with the Florida Complex League Red Sox in Fort Myers on Tuesday. That’ll be his second appearance after getting hit hard in his debut (3 runs on 3 hits in 1 inning) Saturday night.
“I watched the outing,” Cora said. “(Rehabbing Twins slugger Miguel) Sanó got him on a breaking ball. The stuff was actually better than what the line showed. Good velocity, good breaking ball. Results aside, everybody was happy with the delivery. Health-wise, he feels good. Now it’s just keep working, keep getting better and keep going out there and getting reps.”
* Lefty reliever Josh Taylor (low back strain) is scheduled for yet another rehab outing Tuesday night with Double-A Portland. It will be his 10th minor league game since June 21.
* Starters Rich Hill (left knee sprain) and Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation) traveled with the team to St. Petersburg but won’t return before the All-Star break.
* Pitchers Connor Seabold (right forearm extensor strain) and Tyler Danish (right forearm strain) as well as infielder/outfielder Christian Arroyo (left groin strain) stayed back in Boston.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:21:17 GMT -5
Red Sox roster moves: Connor Wong activated, Kevin Plawecki placed on COVID list before Monday’s game Updated: Jul. 11, 2022, 8:35 p.m. | Published: Jul. 11, 2022, 6:28 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Red Sox will have a different backup catcher than usual for at least the first game of their four-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
Boston placed Kevin Plawecki on the COVID-19 related injured list and recalled Connor Wong from Triple-A Worcester, the club announced. According to a team spokesperson, Plawecki is feeling symptoms and awaiting test results. Plawecki previously missed seven games from April 18-25 after testing positive for the virus. Wong is expected to be in uniform Monday night.
While on the COVID list, Plawecki won’t take up a 40-man roster spot. That’s notable because the Red Sox now have 39 players on their 40-man roster and won’t have to clear a spot when they activate Chris Sale from the 60-day injured list before his season debut Tuesday. Boston will need to cut someone from its 40-man roster when Plawecki is activated.
Plawecki, 31, is hitting .156 in 29 games this season. Wong has made two appearances in the majors this year and eight over the last two years, hitting .263 (5-for-19) with two RBIs. In Worcester this season, he’s hitting .267 with 13 doubles and six homers in 57 games.
With the move, all three players who the Red Sox acquired for Mookie Betts are now on the active roster. Wong joins Alex Verdugo and Jeter Downs on the team.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:22:38 GMT -5
Chris Sale will throw 85 pitches in 2022 Red Sox debut Tuesday: Alex Cora looking forward to seeing lefty’s Tropicana Field redemption Updated: Jul. 11, 2022, 10:06 p.m. | Published: Jul. 11, 2022, 9:48 p.m.
By Chris Cotillo | ccotillo@MassLive.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Red Sox plan to let Chris Sale loose in his season debut Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.
Sale, who threw 72 pitches in his final rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, will throw about 85 pitches against the Rays, manager Alex Cora said Monday. He’ll pitch on an extra day of rest and is penciled in to start again Sunday at Yankee Stadium in Boston’s final game before the All-Star break.
“I believe we can be more aggressive now compared to last year,” Cora said. “Obviously, tomorrow, probably 85 pitches. But I think we’ll be more aggressive. The fact we’re thinking about pitching him Sunday tells you a lot.”
Last year, after missing all of 2020 and the first four months of 2021 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Sale made his season debut on Aug. 14. He threw 89 pitches in that outing, then 71 in the next. He went over 90 pitches just once (95 on Sept. 1) in nine regular season starts.
Sale’s delayed start to the season was not caused by an arm issue, but rather a freak injury. He suffered a stress fracture in his right rib cage while throwing a pitch during a private workout on Feb. 24 and dealt with multiple minor setbacks in the last few months. The Red Sox are confident that the lefty’s arm strength is much better than it was when he made his debut last year. In the mind of Cora, the training wheels are already off.
“It’s great,” Cora said. “Obviously, last year we saw the difference and he wasn’t even near where he’s at now arm-wise. Now, it’s far from the surgery and he should be OK. I know he’s excited.”
Sale’s 2022 debut will come close to home, as Tropicana Field is located about 55 miles from Sale’s hometown of Lakeland, Florida. Cora thinks it’s an appropriate place for Sale to make his return because the lefty had one of the worst outings of his career at the Trop last October. In Game 2 of the ALDS last fall, Sale lasted just one inning, allowing five earned runs on four hits in a game the Red Sox would eventually win 14-6.
“From my end, it makes sense that it’s here,” Cora said. “I still remember that first inning in the playoffs last year when he came down and I talked to him in that tunnel. He was beat. He was frustrated. For him to come here now, pitch here, with friends and family around, it should be good.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:25:21 GMT -5
Dan Shaughnessy @dan_Shaughnessy · 7h Assuming Red Sox have no problem if Bello trashes clubhouse at Trop after three BB, HBP, five hits, and five runs in two innings. Cuz, you know, he's an intense competitor.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:27:02 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 6h Have to applaud #RedSox pitchers for biting their tongues in public.
Working in front of this incomplete defense must be immensely frustrating.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:41:43 GMT -5
Bello's key adjustment ends rocky 2nd outing on positive note 2:08 AM ADT Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
ST. PETERSBURG -- For Brayan Bello, the most prized starting pitching prospect the Red Sox have had in years, Monday night’s sequel against the Rays at Tropicana Field was shaping up to be even tougher than his opening act last week at Fenway Park.
But after a rough first two innings, Bello displayed the type of mental toughness and fortitude that hadn’t been necessary for him in the Minor Leagues this season.
In those first two innings of Boston’s 10-5 loss to the Rays, Bello put his team in a 5-1 hole.
By the fifth inning, the Red Sox had tied the game up. This wouldn’t have been possible if not for Bello’s key in-game adjustment which led to scoreless frames in the third and fourth to wrap up his second career outing.
“I tried to attack them with my two-seam fastball," Bello said. "And when I saw they were taking those pitches, I tried to adjust and went to the four-seam fastball, and that’s when it went better."
The more times Bello pitches in the Major Leagues -- and it’s unclear at this point when he will get his next chance -- the quicker he will make those adjustments.
“Obviously there’s a lot of growing, a lot of learning, and tonight was a great learning experience for him. But we were very pleased with the last two innings,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He gave us a chance to win the game.”
At Triple-A Worcester, the two-seamer had been perhaps Bello’s best weapon. The Rays knew that, because that’s how the scouting process goes in the Major Leagues.
That attention to detail at the highest level is what has been most eye-opening for the 23-year-old righty, who is the No. 3 prospect for the Red Sox, according to MLB Pipeline.
“I learned a little bit about the strike zone and about the hitters,” said Bello. “Every at-bat, they try to look for a specific pitch.”
It was easy to see what went wrong for Bello in the first inning. He hit the leadoff batter Yandy Díaz and then walked Ji-Man Choi. Giveaways like that almost never work out in MLB.
In the second inning, Bello again started by putting himself in trouble, this time by walking No. 7 hitter Luke Raley, a recent callup from the Minors.
That was part of a 42-pitch inning in which Bello was touched up for three runs.
If Cora had a rested bullpen and a healthy pitching staff, Bello probably would've come out of the game at that point.
But Cora didn’t have either. And the kid stayed in.
“It’s the big leagues,” Cora said. “Yeah we’ve got to protect him, but we’ve got to protect the rest of the staff. And where we were coming into the game, we were short in a sense. But we came back offensively and he got 12 outs.”
For Bello, those final six outs -- in which he faced only seven batters -- will allow him to take something good out of what could have been a very rough night.
“Yeah, I think I’m grateful for the confidence that Alex showed me to let me finish that inning," Bello said. "And having the opportunity to finish strong with those last two innings, it was big for me."
What does Bello need to do to have cleaner outings going forward?
“The pitch mix I think is going to help, and confidence, too,” said Cora. “It’s not that easy, but the talent is there. We know that. But he’s still learning how to pitch, he’s still learning how to use his fastball in certain spots. He has a good changeup, and in the two outings, he’s been erratic with it. But you see the potential, and he’s going to keep growing.”
Diekman on outing: ‘Embarrassing’ When the Red Sox roared back for two in the third, one in the fourth and another in the fifth to tie the game, it marked the second straight night they rallied back from four runs down. Unlike Sunday night, when they pulled out an 11-6 win over the Yankees, the Sox didn’t get the relief pitching required to pull out the victory this time.
The Rays took back the momentum when veteran lefty Jake Diekman had a tough sixth inning that included hitting leadoff batter Taylor Walls on the first pitch and giving up a go-ahead double to Díaz.
“It’s pretty embarrassing,” said Diekman. “It sucks. We had momentum all the way up to that point. To come in, hit a guy on the foot, give up a [hard] out and a seed double, yeah, it sucks.”
Diekman has pitched six times in July and has allowed at least one baserunner in all of them.
“It’s definitely mechanical,” Diekman said. “I think we know what part of the mechanics it is; we’re just working through it.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:42:41 GMT -5
Julian McWilliams @byjulianmack · 6h Sox need a first baseman at first.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:45:04 GMT -5
Despite his sputtering start, Red Sox encouraged by Brayan Bello’s strong finish By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated July 12, 2022, 12:20 a.m.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Red Sox entry in the Florida Complex League played a noon game against the Rays in Port Charlotte on Monday. It was 86 degrees at first pitch.
They won the game, 8-1. The Sox prospects and their coaches took the bus back to Fort Myers, showered up, and got back on the bus for a two-hour ride to Tropicana Field.
The Sox purchased tickets for them behind the visitor’s dugout so they could see rookie righthander Bryan Bello pitch. Not surprisingly, there were plenty of good seats available at the Trop. Related: Red Sox erase another early hole, but give Rays too much help in messy loss
“It was awesome to see them there,” Sox manager Alex Cora said. “What a great experience for those kids.”
For the teenage prospects, it was a day of lessons on and off the field.
After winning their game, they watched as Bello pitched two of the most frustrating innings of his career, giving up four runs and throwing 62 pitches.
But the 23-year-old regained both his composure and command to keep the Sox in the game. Bello was rewarded when the Sox came back to tie the game. But the Rays came back for a 10-5 victory.
Bello’s line — 4 innings, 7 hits, 5 earned runs, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts — wasn’t good. But those final two innings impressed Cora.
“There’s growing and a lot of learning and tonight was a great learning experience for him,” he said. “We were very pleased with the last two innings. He gave us a chance to win the game.”
Bello had faced the Rays in his major league debut last Wednesday at Fenway Park. Pitching against the same team again five days later isn’t ideal but that’s what the schedule dictated.
The Rays took a 2-0 lead five batters into the game and jumped ahead 5-1 in the second inning. Nine of the first 13 batters Bello faced reached base.
If the Sox had a better-rested bullpen, Bello probably would have been taken out of the game. But the Sox needed more from him.
“That’s the big leagues,” Cora said. “Yeah, we have to protect him but we have to protect the rest of the staff.”
Bello needed only 20 pitches to get through two more innings. He stranded a runner at second in the third and got Randy Arozarena to ground into a double play to end the fourth thanks to a dazzling bare-handed turn by Trevor Story.
Bello relied more on his four-seam fastball, throwing it for strikes and getting ahead.
“That’s when everything changed,” he said via an interpreter. “I learned it doesn’t matter how you start; it’s how you finish. For me it was really good to end up on a good note . . . I’m grateful for the confidence Alex showed in me.”
As Bello improved, the cheers from the Sox players in the stands grew louder. He knew several of the players who were on hand. Related: Red Sox ready to let Chris Sale loose on Tuesday night
“Of course. That’s why I tried to give my best,” Bello said. “I’m happy that they were here supporting me.”
The Sox often invite their prospects to games at the Trop. Watching a game on television and dreaming of playing in the major leagues isn’t the same as standing on the field for batting practice and seeing where you want to be from up close.
Bello was once in their cleats, a little-known prospect who worked his way out of the team’s academy in the Dominican Republic then excelled when he reached the United States.
That Bello has allowed nine runs on 13 hits and six walks over eight innings in his first two games doesn’t change how the Sox see him. Their projection is that he could become a No. 2 or No. 3 starter in time.
Bello will remember what he learned going back out to the mound for the third and fourth innings.
“The talent is there; we know that,” Cora said. “He’s still learning how to pitch; he’s still learning how to use his fastball in certain spots . . . He has a good changeup and in the two outings he’s been erratic with it. But you see the potential. He’s going to keep going.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:47:23 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK Red Sox ready to let Chris Sale loose on Tuesday night By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated July 11, 2022, 8:11 p.m.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Chris Sale is scheduled to make his first start of the season Tuesday evening at Tropicana Field after dealing with a right rib cage fracture that has sidelined him since the start of spring training.
When Sale returned last year from Tommy John surgery, the Sox were careful how they used their starter, knowing it would take time for him to build up strength in his arm and body. Now, however, the Sox feel he’s far removed from the surgery and that the rib isn’t an issue. Related: Red Sox erase another early hole, but give Rays too much help in messy loss
“I believe we can be more aggressive now compared to last year,” manager Alex Cora said before Monday’s 10-5 loss to the Rays.
Cora will keep Sale in the 85-pitch range Tuesday. The lefthander is then penciled in to start Sunday in the first-half finale against the Yankees. The fact that that’s even being considered, Cora said, shows how confident the team is about Sale’s health.
There were indications beyond results during his rehab progression that made the team believe they could give Sale more runway.
“We were certainly looking at the velocity and making sure the strength was there,” pitching coach Dave Bush said. “We’re looking at pitch shape. Analyzing the delivery and mechanics, also to make sure his body is moving the way it should be.”
There are benchmarks between starts that matter as well: Being able to throw a side session, or moving around well in pitcher’s fielding practice. Sale has checked those boxes.
There’s a human element to it, too, of course.
“It’s also [about] asking him how he feels,” Bush added. “A lot of times, there’s subjective feedback from the person that matters, too, like ‘How do you feel? Does this feel the way you want it to? Are you in sync with the delivery? Do you feel like you’re recovering?’ ”
All the questions have led to Tuesday, 265 days since Sale’s last start and the start of what the Red Sox hope is a strong return for their ace.
“Last year, we saw the difference, right? And he wasn’t even near where he’s at arm wise now. Now, he’s far from the surgery and he should be OK,” Cora said. “I know he’s excited.”
Wander Franco, Kevin Kiermaier lost to Rays
Rays shortstop Wander Franco is scheduled for Tuesday surgery on his right wrist to repair a broken hamate bone. He is expected to miss 5-8 weeks. Franco made his MLB debut against the Red Sox on June 22, 2021, and has a .970 OPS against them in 22 career regular-season games.
The Rays also expect to be without center fielder Kevin Kiermaier for “some time,” according to manager Kevin Cash. He is scheduled to see a specialist about his left hip.
In all the Rays have 15 players on the injured list.
Rafael Devers expected to play Tuesday
Rafael Devers missed a third straight game due to the back injury he aggravated during the Yankees series, but the plan is for him to play Tuesday . . . Nate Eovaldi (right hip/back tightness) most likely will pitch against the Yankees Friday to open up the three-game set. There’s a strong chance Nick Pivetta will pitch Saturday . . . Garrett Whitlock (right hip inflammation) is scheduled to pitch two innings for Double A Portland on Tuesday. Josh Taylor (back strain) will also pitch. He has struggled to find results during his rehab stint, compiling a 5.40 ERA in nine appearances (8⅓ innings) between Portland and Triple A Worcester. Taylor also has yielded two homers in that span . . . Kevin Plawecki went on the COVID-related IL before Monday’s game, the backup catcher both feeling symptoms and awaiting test results. Connor Wong was recalled from Worcester, where he has hit .267 with 13 doubles and six homers in 57 games.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jul 12, 2022 3:48:43 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 6h Phillips Valdez and that changeup were somewhat interesting in 2020.
In 2022 it's fair to wonder why he's still on the 40-man.
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