Red Sox May Take Interesting Approach With Struggling Pitcher's Next Start

Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello

Red Sox May Take Interesting Approach With Struggling Pitcher's Next Start originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation has struggled to live up to expectations this season.

After acquiring Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez this offseason, Boston's rotation looked like one of the strongest units in the league. Injuries have plagued the group early this season, but inconsistency has been just as big an issue for the Red Sox.

Brayan Bello was one of the team's most consistent pitchers last season, posting a 3.35 ERA in 29 appearances, but has struggled this season, posting a bloated 9.12 ERA through six starts.

With Bello projected to make his next start against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, interim manager Chad Tracy announced that the Red Sox may utilize an opener in front of the 26-year-old.

“We are discussing the possibility of leveraging an opener in front of him,” Tracy said, as transcribed by MassLive's Sean McAdam. “But a lot of that is contingent on how we use our bullpen the next couple of days (as we) try to get a couple of wins. It’s going to be Bello’s day to take down the bulk of the innings, but we’re going to discuss that. If we do it, (the Tigers) tend to have some lefties up at the top (of the lineup).