Red Sox News & Links: Brayan Bello’s rotation spot safe for now

TL;DR

Brayan Bello's position in the Red Sox starting rotation is secure for now, despite a poor ERA of 9.00. Manager Alex Cora is committed to supporting Bello and the team's struggling players amid criticism.

Key points

Brayan Bello has an ERA of 9.00 after five starts.
Alex Cora supports Bello and plans to keep him in the rotation.
Roman Anthony is recovering from a back injury.
The Red Sox have a record of 9-16 this season.
Fan apathy is growing due to the team's poor performance.

Brayan BelloBoston Red SoxRoman AnthonySonny Gray

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 24: Starting pitcher Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s more than fair to wonder whether Brayan Bello is on the verge of losing his spot in the starting rotation. Bello has been the Sox’ clear weak link, posting an ERA of exactly 9.00 after 5 starts this year. But with Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo currently on the shelf, Alex Cora says Bello isn’t going anywhere, as the Red Sox plan to “stay the course.” That’s why, when Alex Cora pulled the unusual move of paying Bello a mound visit in the third inning last night, he didn’t remove him from the game but, rather, wanted him to improve his body language: “We’re here to compete, be prepared. We go out there and do our best. Regardless of the situation, you’ve got to keep competing and he actually did. I’ll give him that. But we’ve got to figure it out.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive) Speaking of staying the course, it doesn’t look like Caleb Durbin will be losing his job anytime soon, either, despite the fact that Durbin is the single-worst hitter by OPS in all of baseball right now. “I hate the comparison, but was hitting .190 on May 15 in 2007,” Alex Cora said incorrectly, as Pedroia was actually .259 with an OPS over .700 on that date. “It’s still early in the season. There’s some trends that we like. He’s not chasing. Of course, he’s not hitting the ball hard — we know that — but he keeps working. He’s a good defender, too. We cannot forget that. Just got to keep playing.” It’s not merely Bello and Durbin whom Cora is sticking by. The manager continues to believe in the roster at his disposal and is trying to block out the criticism: “You have to cancel the noise because it’s loud, very loud. Anywhere you look, they’re talking about us and how bad we are. Deservedly so. The record is the record. But I don’t think we have a bad team. We’re just going through a bad stretch.” At least they won’t have much time to dwell on last night’s lopsided loss in Baltimore. Due to bad weather expected in the mid-Atlantic, today’s game has been moved up from 4:05 PM to 12:05 PM But will be back in the lineup for the earlier start? He is reportedly making progress with the sore back that has kept him out of the lineup for three straight games. “[He’s] feeling better, moving better,” said Cora. “Hopefully at one point during the weekend he plays. We’re not gonna rush it, but it was a better day for him.” Anthony better get back into the lineup quickly, because this Red Sox season is beginning to be characterized by something even worse than bad baseball: fan apathy.

Q&A

What is Brayan Bello's current ERA with the Red Sox?

Brayan Bello has a current ERA of 9.00 after five starts this season.

Why is Alex Cora keeping Brayan Bello in the rotation?

Alex Cora is keeping Bello in the rotation due to injuries to other pitchers and believes in his potential to improve.

What is the status of Roman Anthony's injury?

Roman Anthony is making progress with his sore back and could return to the lineup during the weekend.

How is the Red Sox team performing this season?

The Red Sox are currently struggling with a record of 9-16, leading to increased criticism and fan apathy.