Before Brayan Bello’s last two appearances, he had a 9.00 earned run average (ERA) in 21 innings pitched. He was not in the zone and was getting knocked around like he was a position player throwing meatballs over the strike zone.

My Hottest Take: Not Starting is Working

Bello has seemed like a different person in his latest two appearances. Bello has come in the last two games he’s pitched in behind an opener, and he is pitching like his vintage self. In his last two appearances, he has a 1-0 record with a 1.35 ERA, with just eight hits, two earned runs, 12 strikeouts and two walks.

In his first six starts of the season, Bello went 1-4 with a 9.12 ERA, while walking 15 and striking out 17 in 25 ⅔ innings. There was no control, and he was falling behind batters quickly; it was like he was allergic to the strike zone. It would have been easier to decide what to do with him if the team were doing better and they could easily sit him; however, even with him not finding the strike zone, he is needed for the rotation as the rotation keeps getting slammed with injuries.

You Should Know: It May Just Be A Coincidence

There is a chance that this is just a coincidence and actually has nothing to do with the fact that he is not starting and just coming in during the second inning instead of the first. Whatever it may be, it was good to see Bello looking like his old self.

While it may be a coincidence, the Red Sox will take it. It was looking like there may have been a chance that Bello was going to be sent down to the minors if Bello or the pitching coaches could not figure out how to lengthen or figure out what was going on with him. Bello coming back to himself could not have come at a better time, either, as Garrett Crochet is still on the 15-day injured list until at least the middle of May. Ranger Suárez has also gone down but will be back for the end of the series with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Before You Go: While Bello Has Returned, Boston Does Not Have a Designated Opener

The Red Sox have a closer in Aroldis Chapman. The Red Sox do not have an opener. Both times, they have used Jovani Moran. Moran has let up runs in each of his starts before Bello came in and effectively shut down the lineup. This is a positive, but on the other hand, the Red Sox need to once again tinker around with the bullpen to see if there would be someone who could come out as a designated opener, rather than Moran, who is also a larger relief-type of pitcher.

This could be a good spot for someone like Kutter Crawford or even Patrick Sandoval to get in the lineup until they are also ready to do full starts or more innings. It will be interesting to see to whom Chad Tracy decides to give a chance as an opener, or if they will try to let Bello attempt a start again.