Since the Boston Red Sox demoted Walker Buehler from the starting rotation, the Sox needed to figure out who to pitch today against the Orioles. It seemed like they were going to pitch Richard Fitts or call up AAA pitcher Kyle Harrison, the more likely option, but it seems neither will happen.
According to Boston Globe’s Tim Healey, the Sox will instead pitch reliever Brennan Bernardino, and then put in Richard Fitts to be a long reliever, essentially a bullpen game.
“Brennan Bernardino will start for the Red Sox against the Orioles on Monday, the team announced. That sets up Richard Fitts to be the bulk guy behind the opener,” Healey revealed.
This was the outcome no one expected, or really wants. Bernardino is a good reliever, with an ERA of 2.93, 38 Ks, and a record of 4-2 in 46 innings. Although, people really wanted to see Harrison get the call, as he has made major improvements in the minors.
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However, this could be a sign for something better. If the Sox don’t want to bring Harrison up in a starting role, it may mean they want to call up their No. 1 pitching prospect, Payton Tolle. Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow has hinted at it, so in the coming weeks, fans need to be on the lookout.
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