The most anticipated Red Sox rookie pitcher debut in a long time featured some serious heat, but Brayan Bello ultimately wasn’t able to answer the call.
The Rays, who are a bottom-10 lineup against right-handed pitching in terms of OPS and isolated power, jumped on Bello early and often. That led to four runs (all earned) on six hits and three walks. Tampa didn’t take Bello deep once, but four of the hits he surrendered were doubles. He also only struck out two in his 79-pitch outing (45 strikes).
Bello’s fastball was as-advertised, sitting 96-98 mph through the first three innings before bottoming out at 95 in the fourth. Still, this was clearly a learning experience for the 23-year-old. Velocity alone isn’t going to get it done at the MLB level — even against a team that hits righties poorly, like the Rays.
The one other thing of note, although it was very much a footnote: Bello fielded his position well. He helped start a crucial inning-ending double play, handled a grounder to the right side himself and worked quickly on a slow roller that trickled toward the third base line. Again, not a huge deal, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s one of those things that’d be noticeable if it was an area in which Bello struggled.
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