Boston Red Sox Pitcher Brayan Bello Sharp in Rehab Outing, Call-Up Coming?

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello was sharp in his rehab start on Tuesday night for AAA Worcester, tossing six innings with just one run allowed. He also struck out four and didn't walk a batter. Ian Browne of MLB.com says that a return to the majors could be next for Bello as the Red Sox look to finally get their rotation whole.

Despite trailing the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-1, at the time of this posting, the Boston Red Sox got some good news on Tuesday night.

Rehabbing starting pitcher Brayan Bello threw six brilliant innings at AAA Worcester in a rehab start and could be on the verge of a return to the big leagues. He was rehabbing from an elbow issue that occurred at the beginning of spring training. Ian Browne of MLB.com reports that Bello threw 50 strikes out of 81 pitches in the outing.

Brayan Bello in Worcester. Six innings, four hits, one run, no walks, four strikeouts, 81 pitches -- 50 for strikes. Next stop? Fenway Park.

— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) April 12, 2023

Bello, 23, is one of the most exciting pitchers in the Red Sox system and is expected to re-enter the starting rotation upon return to the major league club. When he does, he'll join Corey Kluber, Chris Sale, Nick Pivetta and Garrett Whitlock in the rotation. When Bello comes back, the thought is that Tanner Houck will be sent to the bullpen. Whitlock just returned from his own rehab stint on Tuesday.

One other issue to think about is that James Paxton is also rehabbing and working his way back. He could be back with the team by the end of April, which means the Red Sox could look to utilize a six-man rotation, as ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney suggested last week. It would be surprising if Bello or anyone else was sent to the bullpen to accommodate Paxton's return.

Bello made his major league debut a season ago, going 2-8 with a 4.71 ERA. He made 11 starts in 13 appearances for the Red Sox.

The Red Sox entered play on Tuesday with a 5-5 record. The Rays were a perfect 10-0, which was the best start since the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers. 

Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.