Excitement for the upcoming MLB season is palpable, but the Boston Red Sox are facing early challenges.
Starting pitcher Brayan Bello is recovering from right shoulder inflammation and won’t be ready for the season opener. Meanwhile, star slugger Rafael Devers’ debut in the Grapefruit League has been postponed again, raising concerns about his readiness.
Despite these setbacks, the Red Sox remain optimistic about their roster and rotation. Key players are making significant progress in their recovery and preparation.
Brayan Bello’s Injury and Recovery
Brayan Bello, a promising starting pitcher for the Red Sox, has been dealing with right shoulder inflammation since the beginning of Spring Training.
Despite positive trends in his recovery, manager Alex Cora confirmed that Bello will not be ready for the start of the regular season.
“We talked to Brayan, he’s behind. So he’s not going to be with us for the Opening Day,” Cora explained. “Just doesn’t make sense to push him and rush everything and then something major happens.”
Impact on the Rotation
With Bello sidelined, the Red Sox have had to adjust their rotation plans.
Initially, there were discussions about implementing a six-man rotation due to a lack of days off early in the season. However, these plans have been scrapped, especially with Kutter Crawford also starting the season on the injured list due to a right knee issue.
The current rotation will feature Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, and Lucas Giolito. The fifth starter spot is up for grabs among Richard Fitts, Quinn Priester, and Cooper Criswell.
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Rafael Devers’ Delayed Debut
Rafael Devers, one of the Red Sox’s key offensive players, has seen his Grapefruit League debut pushed back multiple times.
Initially scheduled for March 5, the debut was first moved to Wednesday and now to Saturday.
Despite the delays, the team expects Devers to be ready for Opening Day.
He has been taking live batting practice for over a week and working on mechanical adjustments to his swing, which had been affected by sore shoulders late last season.
Adjustments and Progress
Devers has been focused on refining his swing path, particularly on the inside pitch, which he struggled with due to shoulder issues last year.
“He’s been on point as far as what he needs, as far as the swing,” Cora noted. “The whole path and the inside pitch is something that he lost last year because of the shoulders.”
Devers’ progress is evident as he drives the ball to left-center, a key indicator of his improved swing mechanics.
Red Sox Roster Outlook
Despite the early setbacks with Bello and Devers, the Red Sox are confident in their roster’s potential.
The rotation, featuring Crochet, Houck, Buehler, and Giolito, is expected to be a strong point for the team.
Additionally, the competition for the fifth starter spot is fierce, with Fitts, Priester, and Criswell all making strong cases during Spring Training.
Position Flexibility
The Red Sox are also exploring different positional options for their players.
While Devers’ role for the start of the season is still undecided, all signs point to him starting as the designated hitter.
Meanwhile, Alex Bregman, a prized free-agent acquisition, has been solidifying his position at third base during Grapefruit League action.
Cora hinted that Bregman might play second base at some point during camp, adding to the team’s positional flexibility.
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox are navigating early-season challenges with a mix of caution and optimism.
Bello’s recovery will be closely monitored, with a potential return to the rotation after missing only one or two turns.
Devers’ progress in refining his swing mechanics is a positive sign for the team’s offensive capabilities.
As the season approaches, the Red Sox are poised to overcome these initial hurdles and make a strong showing.
Key Takeaways
- Brayan Bello is recovering from right shoulder inflammation and won’t be ready for the season opener.
- Rafael Devers’ Grapefruit League debut has been delayed, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
- The Red Sox rotation will include Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, and Lucas Giolito. The fifth starter spot is still undecided.
- Devers is making significant progress in refining his swing mechanics. This is particularly noticeable on the inside pitch.
- Alex Bregman is solidifying his role at third base, with potential for positional flexibility.
For more detailed updates and insights, visit the full article on MLB.com.
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