Red Sox Nearing Critical Decision with Brayan Bello

Despite Bello's success out of the bullpen, Boston has lost each of his last three relief appearances, largely due to poor performances from the opener.

Against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 12, Jovani Morán gave up a first-inning home run to Kyle Schwarber. Bello followed with 6.1 innings of one-run ball, but it wasn't enough as Boston fell to Philadelphia 2-1.

Morán again opened for Bello on May 23 against the Minnesota Twins and struggled once more, allowing two first-inning runs. Bello impressed yet again, pitching five innings without conceding an earned run. However, Boston fell 4-2.

This past Friday against the Cleveland Guardians, Bello again served as the bulk reliever. This time, rookie Tyler Samaniego got the nod as the opener. He struggled greatly, allowing four runs on six hits. Bello responded with seven scoreless innings, but Boston still came up short in a 4-3 loss.

Given Bello's recent success out of the bullpen, it might seem logical to return him to the starting rotation.

He had a chance to prove himself as a reliable starter on May 17 against the MLB-best Atlanta Braves. Instead, Bello struggled early, allowing a three-run home run to Austin Riley in the first inning. He ultimately gave up seven runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out just one batter in Boston's 8-1 loss.

Simply put, Bello hasn't pitched well enough as a starter.

That complicates Boston's starting rotation as ace Garrett Crochet nears a return from left shoulder inflammation. The 26-year-old southpaw is scheduled to throw a live batting practice on Tuesday, according to Chris Cotillo.

If all goes well, then a rehab assignment could be imminent for Boston's ace. Crochet has struggled thus far in 2026, posting a 3-3 record with a 6.30 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 30 innings. He has not pitched since April 25.

Nonetheless, his return would be a welcome sight for a rotation currently comprised of Sonny Gray, Ranger Suárez, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle.

Bello's status in the starting rotation remains uncertain. His next appearance will likely come Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles, though whether that is as a starter or bulk reliever remains to be determined.

Boston faces a strange and complex dilemma with Bello. He has been much more effective when not pitching in the first inning, yet the relievers tasked with opening games for him have repeatedly put the Red Sox in an early hole.

Bello's inconsistent performance is approaching a crossroads. With Crochet potentially nearing a return and Boston lacking a consistent fifth starter, the Red Sox will soon have to decide where the right-hander fits best moving forward.