Zack Kelly Shines as a Potential Bullpen Gem for the Red Sox
Zack Kelly’s journey with the Boston Red Sox has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by moments that hinted at promise, only to be clouded by lapses in command. However, as the team navigates a challenging roster shuffle, Kelly’s recent call-up from Triple-A Worcester may signal a turning point for both him and the bullpen.
A New Opportunity Awaits
After spending over two months away from the majors, Kelly returned to the Red Sox on Monday, stepping in as a potential solution for a depleted pitching staff. Initially seen as a temporary fill-in for lefty starter Kyle Harrison, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Kelly’s status has quickly evolved. With right-hander Jordan Hicks likely heading to the 15-day injured list due to shoulder soreness—and struggling with an unsightly 8.20 ERA—Kelly now finds himself as the fourth righty in the bullpen hierarchy.
This unexpected opportunity could be pivotal as the Red Sox gear up for the stretch run of the season. The question remains: Can Kelly emerge as a reliable arm in the late innings?
A Standout Performance
In a recent outing, Kelly showcased his potential as the lone bright spot in a disheartening 8-1 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. He delivered an impressive four-inning performance, striking out four batters and allowing only two hits without issuing a walk. While the scoreboard painted a bleak picture, his effort was crucial in preserving the bullpen for the upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Manager Alex Cora was quick to commend Kelly’s performance. “He competed,” Cora noted, highlighting the pitcher’s resilience. “He threw 33 pitches four days ago (in Worcester), and he went up to 60. We needed that. Obviously, we didn’t do much offensively, but he gave us a chance to try to get something going. That was really good.”
Adjustments and Potential
Notably, Kelly has made adjustments to his pitching repertoire during his time in Triple-A. Reports indicate that he relied more heavily on his cutter and four-seamer against the Guardians, dialing back the use of his sweeper, a pitch he had leaned on earlier in the season. Though his ERA still hovers at 4.73 over 18 appearances in Boston, there’s a sense that the time spent refining his skills in Worcester has transformed him into a more effective pitcher.
While it’s unlikely that Kelly will replace Garrett Whitlock or Justin Slaten as the primary setup man, he may soon find himself in key situations. In matchups against right-handed hitters, particularly when the game is close, Kelly could be called upon to deliver in the middle innings, especially if the need arises.
Looking Ahead
As the Red Sox continue to grapple with their bullpen dynamics, Zack Kelly stands at a crossroads. With the right adjustments and continued support, he could indeed become the diamond in the rough that the team needs as they push for success in the final stretch of the season. The coming weeks will reveal if Kelly can seize this opportunity and solidify his place in the Red Sox’s roster.
