After today’s disastrous outing, followed by some post-game comments that didn’t land well, Red Sox starter Brayan Bello has been optioned and sent down to Triple-A Worcester. Bello’s horrible run over the last couple of months came to a close on Thursday, giving up six runs in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles. In addition to this move, Boston also traded for Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Joe La Sorsa (for cash considerations).
Brayan Bello makes it very clear he’s done with the conversation about him starting or coming out of the bullpen.
“First of all, just stop talking about bullpen and starting games. I’ve always been a starter, and when I’ve been successful as a starter, no one has questioned… pic.twitter.com/Eq1QWoAMz8
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) June 4, 2026
Bello’s Disastrous 2026 Campaign
Brayan Bello hasn’t exactly had the best season thus far in 2026, having the worst ERA in baseball at 6.34. He has a record of 2-6, giving up 10 home runs as well. This is confusing due to who he has been. Other than his rookie year, he’s had a winning record every year he’s pitched. Just last season, he went 11-9 with a solid 3.36 ERA. Yet the Red Sox are 2-10 in his appearances this year, even when he comes in relief. So what’s the deal?
The first inning is a complete collapse for him, having an ERA of 16.88 if he ends up starting the game in just that inning alone. Despite manager Chad Tracy saying that Bello needs to start to be successful, the numbers actually say otherwise. When looking past the fifth inning (assuming he comes out of the bullpen), he actually pitches better the later it gets in the game (1.80 in the sixth, 0.00 in the seventh and eighth).
Why did the Red Sox decide to start Brayan Bello today rather than use an opener?
Chad Tracy: “For us to be successful, we need Bello to start.” pic.twitter.com/nmOIaznZOg
— WEEI (@WEEI) June 4, 2026
The problem in his appearances is that whether he starts or not, the team can’t seem to come back from the deficit. The openers, whether it’s Jovani Moran or an unlucky Tyler Samaniego start, can’t seem to do any better than Bello. So the Red Sox weren’t left with any other choice. They seemed to have to demote him for him to get back on track.
Who Will Take Over?
The demotion is a little concerning, seeing as the Red Sox gave him a big extension back in 2024. But also because of the rotation issues. With ace Garrett Crochet in there, it wouldn’t be an issue. But with Crochet out with injuries, that leaves the number five starter open. The obvious answer right now, with Johan Oviedo still out, would be Jake Bennett. When Crochet first went down, Bennett got called up and went 1-1 with a 4.36 ERA. But there’s another option.
Should the spot be open for a while, Patrick Sandoval could come back. He’s coming off the injured list pretty soon, set to throw a one-inning rehab stint in Worcester on Friday. Now, this wouldn’t be a full starter role if he’s taking a one-inning outing. But there is a possibility of a bullpen game with him starting to ease back in. Bello’s next start was originally slated for June 9 against the Rays. So there’s a little time to figure it out.
Who Is Joe La Sorsa?
La Sorsa has been around the majors since 2019, getting drafted out of St. John’s in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Rays. The left-hander made his MLB debut in May of 2023, striking out two batters and walking one in a two-inning relief appearance. Over the next week and a half, he would make one more appearance before being designated for assignment and then signed by the Washington Nationals.
Before the 2025 season, he would be released by Washington and then bounce around among the New York Mets, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Pirates. He would only make a major league appearance for Cincinnati, getting multiple starts, but ultimately failing to find success. In five games, he was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA, giving up more home runs (four) than strikeouts (two).
His last stop before the Red Sox acquisition was in Triple-A Indianapolis. Since the issues in the majors, he’s seemed to turn it around slightly. In 22 appearances, he went 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA and 22 strikeouts. He also pitched in the World Baseball Classic this year, joining now-teammate Greg Weissert with Team Italy. He did not get much playing time in the tournament, though, making four appearances and pitching less than three innings.
The Last Word: What To Make of These Moves
Regarding the Bello move, it’s a frustrating one. He’s shown he’s better than what’s happening currently, but it’s still a necessary move. He needs to get back on track, resembling the pitcher he was last year. He also needs to get his attitude in check. Depending on when he gets back to the majors, he may not be guaranteed a starting spot given how good the rotation is. He’s got to learn how to take a bullpen role, as that’s practically what he’s been doing now. As for the fifth starter, that’ll be revealed soon.
Now La Sorsa. Given his last major league stint, mixed in with the fact that his fastball averages only 92.5 MPH (for reference, last year’s bullpen was 95.4 MPH on heaters). So it’s hard to see how and where he’ll be used and how successful he’ll be. But given the current state of the Red Sox, it’s worth a try.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
