Red Sox's Starter Shaky in Second Start Since Minor League Demotion
In his second appearance since being sent to Triple-A Worcester, Brayan Bello faced some of the same issues that forced the Boston Red Sox to demote him a few weeks ago.
The right-hander allowed seven hits, three earned runs, and issued two walks across 4.2 innings in the WooSox's 7-4 extra innings win over Lehigh Valley. He threw just 49 strikes on 88 pitches but racked up five strikeouts.
Bello's first-inning struggles persisted, as he allowed a leadoff single to Christian Cairo who then stole second base. After hitting the next batter with a pitch, Bello gave up a two-run double to Keaton Anthony to open up scoring.
The scuffling righty held a 16.88 ERA in the first innings of big league games this year. In his first Triple-A outing a week ago, Bello turned in an encouraging 1-2-3 first inning before getting into some trouble in the next two frames of an abbreviated four inning start.
Brayan Bello's second start in AAA:
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) June 20, 2026
4.2 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks
Threw just 49 of 88 for strikes. 2 runs allowed in the 1st inning. pic.twitter.com/Zanvell9Xo
Friday's performance was flipped, as he settled back in after the rough first to retire 10 of the next 11 batters he faced, putting just two baserunners on before the fifth. Things began to snowball in that inning after Bello allowed two base hits and another run before another walk and a single forced him out of the game.
Seeing these first inning woes return is a concerning development for the 27-year-old, who is seemingly trying to sort out his approach mentally before making a return to the majors.
The start Friday now brings Bello's Triple-A ERA to 5.19 through two games. With another five strikeouts on Friday, he has now punched out 10 minor league batters but has seen a total of 15 baserunners in just 8.2 innings with 12 hits, two walks, and one hit batsman.
Brayan Bello said he "shed some tears" after receiving news of his demotion to Triple-A Worcester. pic.twitter.com/atzawHAn0t
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) June 7, 2026
At the time of his demotion, it was thought that Bello would need a healthy chunk of time in the minors to rebuild his confidence before a return to the Red Sox was discussed. But with another questionable outing at the lower level, it doesn't seem that he has made much progress toward a promotion.
Bello's next start is expected to come sometime next week when the WooSox return to Polar Park to host the Toledo Mud Hens.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 3:34 PM.