The Boston Red Sox could use a hard-throwing reliever for the late innings to help bridge the gap to All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. Joe Kelly might just be that guy.
The 28-year-old started the season in Boston’s rotation, make two horrid starts before getting injured in his third, hitting the disabled list, and returning for three more starts, the latter two of which were also horrid.
Then Kelly disappeared, demoted to the minors for nearly two weeks before popping up for a few days at the end of July. Despite performing well in three relief outings then, he was sent back down to Triple-A Pawtucket until September call-ups.
Since his return, he’s pitched two scoreless eighth innings, and in five outings as a reliever this season he’s been very good: five hits and one run allowed with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. He’s frequently hit triple digits on the radar gun, too.
So where has he been during the second half of the season while Boston’s often injured and frequently struggling bullpen has floundered along? The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham joined NESN’s Tom Caron on “Red Sox First Pitch” before Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres to discuss just that.
Check out his thoughts in the video above.
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images