Latest disaster shows Red Sox have a Brayan Bello dilemma

Brayan Bello's outing for the Boston Red Sox on Thursday followed a familiar script.

The Orioles hammered Bello in the first inning of their 8-2 victory over the Red Sox. He allowed six runs on five hits, three walks and a hit in the first before settling in. Bello managed to pitch five innings, allowing eight runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out four.

That rough first inning has become commonplace. Bello has a 16.88 ERA and a 3.125 WHIP in the first inning this season, allowing 15 runs on 19 hits and six walks.

A change of role may be best for Brayan Bello, Boston Red Sox

Using Bello as a starter has not worked this season. He now has a 10.35 ERA and a 2.215 WHIP over his 35.2 innings as a starter, striking out 22 batters while issuing 21 walks. As the Red Sox are attempting to claw their way out of the AL East basement, Bello is not putting them in a position to win.

However, Bello has found success when he has followed an opener this season. He has posted a 0.71 ERA and a 0.908 WHIP in 25.1 innings as a bulk reliever, striking out 22 batters with only three walks. Bello, for his part, stated after the game that he is "just having a bad season," that he has always been a starter and that he wants questions about his working as a reliever to end.