When Brennan Bernardino walked off the mound at JetBlue Park on March 21 after pitching a scoreless eighth inning in a Red Sox win over the Orioles, it seemed like a sure bet that he’d secure a spot on the big league roster.
After emerging as Boston’s best lefty reliever a season ago, boasting a solid 3.20 ERA over 50 ⅔ innings, the 32-year-old continued his impressive form. He didn’t give up a single earned run in his 6 ⅔ innings of Grapefruit League action, retiring 20 of the 25 batters he faced, with five strikeouts and just two walks.
However, the Red Sox made the surprising announcement on Monday night that Bernardino had been optioned to Triple-A Worcester as the team rounded out the Opening Day roster.
“[Alex Cora and Craig Breslow] did what they felt was best for the team,” Bernardino told WEEI.com on the decision. “And I’m just going to keep pitching wherever I’m at and try to prove to them that I can help the team.”
With Chris Murphy sidelined due to ligament damage in his elbow and Bernardino in Worcester, veteran Joely Rodríguez will be the lone lefty in Boston’s bullpen among a rotation filled with five righties. Nonetheless, Bernardino remains confident.
“I’m at a very high confidence level,” Bernardino said. “Just ready to pitch and get outs. I’m ready for the season to start.”
Bernardino, whom the Red Sox claimed from the Mariners on April 16 of last year, primarily relied on his fastball and slider last season, but with the guidance of Brayan Bello, Devin Rose, a coaching assistant focused on pitching strategy, and others, Bernardino has been honing a cutter.
“I’m working on a cutter. I like the pitch. It had very good results in the spring, so I’m happy with it,” Bernardino said. “Bello has helped me with it, Devin Rose helped me with it, and [Jorge] Benitez, another left-hander over here, helped me with the grip.”
While in Worcester, Bernardino’s goals are to stay healthy, continue to hone his cutter, and help his team in any way he can.
“If anybody ever has any questions for me, any teammates, or anything I can help with, I’m always here to help,” Bernardino said. “I’ve had plenty of people in my career who helped me get to where I’m at today, and I’m always willing to share whatever knowledge I have.”
Bernardino and the Woo Sox begin their season on Friday, March 29, when they visit the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A Philadelphia) at 6:05 p.m. They will then open their fourth season at Polar Park on Tuesday, April 3, against the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A Toronto). First pitch is at 3:05 p.m.
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