Bello could make MLB debut Wednesday
BOSTON — Nothing is official, but it sure sounds like the Red Sox will be promoting their top pitching prospect, Brayan Bello, to make his major league debut on Wednesday night against the Rays.
Bello, 23, was originally signed out of the Dominican Republic for $28,000 as an 18-year-old in 2017. But he’s shot up the prospect rankings over the last two years while slicing up minor league hitters with a high-90s fastball that he throws from a three-quarters arm slot.
In 85 innings between Double-a Portland and Triple-a Worcester this year, Bello has recorded 114 strikeouts while posting a 2.33 ERA and earning his way up to the No. 3-ranked Sox prospect via Baseball America.
As dominant as he’s been, it’s somewhat surprising it’s taken this long for the Sox to consider pulling the trigger.
But with Rich Hill now on the injured list with a left knee sprain and Michael Wacha on the shelf with a dead arm, the Sox are testing their starting pitching depth.
They could once again turn to Kutter Crawford, who was called up on Monday to join the Red Sox bullpen, but he’s likely to be needed out of relief in one of these two games before Wednesday.
Connor Seabold started Sunday’s game and was returned to Worcester. Josh Winckowski is on turn to pitch Thursday.
Just about all of the Sox’ Triple-a depth has already been accounted for, which leaves two possible options to pitch on Wednesday: Bello or Chris Sale, who is scheduled to make what could be his final rehab start for Worcester.
“We were joking, I said, ‘man, it’s sold out already and you can’t disappoint the people in Worcester,’ ” manager Alex Cora said on Monday. “It will be good for (Sale) to go there and compete. He feels really good. I was able to talk to him a little bit and he’s ready to go.
“If it’s up to him he’d pitch here, but I think one more, maybe two down there.”
With Sale pitching in Worcester, Cora was asked who is left as an option to pitch for the Red Sox on Wednesday.
“Ummm … right now down there, Bello is one option,” Cora said. “Who else is down there who we can use? Honestly, I don’t know who else.”
If Bello does make his debut, he’d be the Sox’ most anticipated pitching prospect to make his debut since Henry Owens made his first big league appearance in 2015.
The Sox haven’t drafted or signed a homegrown starting pitcher who has found regular success in the big leagues since Clay Buchholz, who was drafted in 2005.
Tanner Houck, drafted and developed as a starter, is one of the many who was moved to the bullpen fairly early in his career.