May was a promising month for Brayan Bello

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

For Brayan Bello, the 2023 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride. His season debut was delayed due to right elbow inflammation. He was then optioned to Worcester after struggling in his first two outings. The 24-year-old was recalled four days later and has put a rough start in the rearview mirror. Bello is showing the impact he can make while solidifying his spot in the rotation.

Over the last month, Bello has allowed seven runs in 27 innings of work. In four of his last five starts, Bello has given the bullpen a rest and pitched at least five innings while striking out 23 batters. Before Tuesday night, the Red Sox were 5-2 in games he started and 3-1 in games he took the mound following a loss. His success has partly been due to his ability to limit the damage when batters do reach base.

Additionally, Bello hasn't allowed more than two runs in a start since April 23rd. After opponents hit .360 against him during the first month of the season, opponents hit .243 against him in May. That is a welcoming sign for the Red Sox, as Bello hasn't always had his best stuff. On Tuesday night, that was the case, with the Red Sox looking to start the homestand with a win.

Against the Reds, Bello struggled to find the strike zone. He allowed seven batters to reach base and needed 97 pitches to make it through four innings. While the Reds had plenty of opportunities to score, Bello got timely outs and held them to one run. Even on a night when the Dominican native was one pitch away from disaster, he gave his team a chance to win while he was in the game.

Through 35 innings of work this season, Bello has allowed 16 earned runs and walked 12 batters. He has struck out at least five batters in six of his eight starts, including a season-high seven on May 17th against the Mariners. Since being recalled, he has faced playoff-caliber lineups and lowered his ERA by almost three runs.

As the Red Sox look to claim a postseason spot, Bello will be a crucial piece. In his return to the rotation, Bello has given the Red Sox pitching staff a boost. To take his game to another level, Bello needs to improve his control. If he can do that, the sky is the limit for the talented righty.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17

For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.

Join our new Facebook group for all of our latest content, click the link here.