The Boston Red Sox have been having trouble in their bullpen recently, with it blowing the past few games the Sox have played and lost. However, it seems like the Sox are making a new move to try and get themselves out of their funk.
According to Masslive’s Chris Cotillo, the Sox have optioned Isiaiah Campbell to AAA, and brought up Richard Fitts. However, Fitts has been a starter for his whole major league career, but now he’s moved to the bullpen.
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“For now, the plan is to have Fitts — who has started all 17 games he has pitched this year across three levels — join the bullpen. The move comes as the Red Sox re-assess their pitching staff in total, leading up to the final six weeks of the season, with a determination to assemble the best 13 arms possible,” Cotillo wrote.
This season, Fitts has had a 4.83 ERA with a record of 1-4 and 34 strikeouts in 10 appearances. While it seems like he shouldn’t be in the pen, former starters turned relievers have had their game turned up a notch, as seen in Garrett Whitlock.
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Cotillo continued, stating the decision to put Fitts in the pen was because of his strong arm. “For now, the Red Sox will bring Fitts back as a bullpen option in hopes that his high-octane stuff (including a fastball that has averaged 95.7 mph in the majors this year) can play up in shorter stints,” Cotillo stated.
Hopefully his arm translates to the pen, as the Sox need it. Right now, they are ranked as one of the best in baseball, but the past few outings may have dropped their rank. Here’s hoping Fitts is the answer they are looking for.
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