Brayan Bello Thrives Behind Openers but Rotation Spot Remains Unsettled

Friday's seven‑inning scoreless relief shows the opener can hide Bello's first‑inning flaws, forcing Boston to decide whether to return him to a traditional starter role.

Overview

Bello entered after an opener and threw seven scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, yet the Red Sox lost 4-3 because the team fell behind early.
When used behind an opener Bello has been superb, producing a 0.71 ERA in 25 1/3 innings across four appearances while retiring the last 12 batters he faced in the Guardians game.
The Red Sox shifted to the opener plan because Bello has an 11.57 ERA in the first inning this season, a pattern that has repeatedly put him into games where the team is already trailing.
Interim manager Chad Tracy praised Bello's recent outings and Bello said he wants to prove he can be a regular starter, but the club has not committed to restoring him to a traditional rotation role.
Boston's rotation decisions are further complicated by Garrett Crochet's advancing rehab and a likely Triple‑A tuneup, and the choice matters financially because Bello is in year three of a six‑year, $55 million contract.