Brandon Walter opens up about his confidence in pitching in Boston
When Brandon Walter was added to the Red Sox 40-man roster this past offseason, he knew a professional debut was somewhere in the near future. At 26-years-old, he knew this might be now or never to try to stick at the major league level.
“I have always had confidence when I am out there.” Walter told Beyond the Monster. “If you don’t, you are in a bad spot. Just knowing I had success there has made me excited to go back. I have convinced myself and others that I can do it, so I am just trying to stay ready and not overthink it.”
What he didn’t know was just how much success he would have in his first stint in Boston.
“Getting that taste of the work you need to put in and what it takes to be successful there.” Walter said of his first major league stint. “I was able to have success there which is good. Coming back to Worcester I don’t really have to change much, just fall back on what gave me success up there and hopefully bring it here and I will get another chance eventually.”
Walter had started every single game for Portland and Worcester he had pitched in until this year. We saw him pitch out of the bullpen three times for the WooSox and all six appearances in Boston were in relief.
“It’s a little different because throwing one inning at a time is obviously different than throwing six or seven.” Walter added. “In one inning you can just go right to your best stuff since you are not facing guys multiple times. It’s a little easier in that sense. I try not to overthink it and just do the same thing no matter if I am starting or relieving one inning or six innings. I just try to throw my best pitches and when they feel they need to take me out, they come get me.”
The results out of the bullpen were better than expected for the left-hander. Walter appeared in six games and carried a 3.07 ERA out of the Red Sox bullpen. The appearances included a save that Walter might not be forgetting about anytime soon.
“My best memory was getting that three inning save against the A’s just because it’s cool to get your first big league save and celebrate with your teammates.” Walter added. “I was also a starter when I went up so I never thought I would even get a save. Getting an opportunity like that was pretty cool and making the most of it in a unique way too since it was a three inning save instead of the traditional ninth inning when you come in during a close game.”
Fenway Park has quite the odd dimensions given that big wall in left field and the triangle out in center field. It also has bullpens sticking out in right field that Walter feels pretty strongly about.
“I knew Fenway would be cool with the atmosphere there, but I think it even exceeded my expectations.” Walter noted. It was awesome to pitch there and be a part of those games. While I was up, we were on a big winning streak, so we really didn’t really lose much so it was nice being a part of a lot of wins. It was pretty comforting pitching there. You could feel the energy from the fans, and you know they have your back. That gives you confidence to go out there and do your thing. I think the bullpen there is an awesome setup. It feels like you are part of the game when you are warming up in the bullpen. The fans are right on you. You are right up against the fence which is part of that unique setup there in right center. Balls are hit out there all the time. Everybody can see you throwing so it gets a lot of adrenaline pumping warming in that bullpen.”
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5.74 era in Worcester, sure bring him to Boston what could possibly go wrong...