The Boston Red Sox lost 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, but Brayan Bello did something no other starting pitcher has done this year.
Bello got the start against the Rays, and he delivered eight innings of one-run ball, striking out 11 batters. He is the first starting pitcher to log double-digit strikeouts in a start against the Rays this year, per WEEI's Rob Bradford.
Bello had a career year last year, but he could not figure it out as a starter this year. Through his first six starts, he had a 9.12 ERA. The Red Sox tried him behind an opener, and he looked great. However, he just could not get the same results as a starter.
Eventually, he was sent down and brought back into a long-relief role. He was thriving out of the bullpen for the Red Sox, and has turned himself into a key weapon for Chad Tracy. However, he has started two games in September and looks like the version of himself fans saw last year.
He gave the Red Sox five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 9. He is still unlikely to get a postseason start, but he's proven he can be relied on in big spots. He could be used as a piggyback for Garrett Crochet if he can return in time. Bello can also save the bullpen if the team gets a short start from Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle or Ranger Suarez in October.
