Brennan Bernardino is carving out a role in the Red Sox bullpen

Photo Credit: Julio Cortez, AP Photo

Through the first few weeks of the 2023 campaign, the Red Sox’s depth has been tested by injuries. The bullpen has been hit particularly hard, and the Red Sox have already turned to the waiver wire a few times. That has proven beneficial as relievers such as Brennan Bernardino have made a great first impression.

On April 16th, the Red Sox claimed Bernardino off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Mariners. He was called up to the majors eight days later and has posted a 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings of work. Bernardino has shown great control during that stretch, holding opponents to a .226 batting average.

Additionally, the 31-year-old has struck out six batters and did not allow a run in his first six appearances. Although his sample size is small, Bernardino is providing his new team with quality innings. That has been critical lately as he has faced playoff-caliber teams such as the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Orioles.

While Bernardino has had success regardless of the opponent, he has given lefthanded batters headaches. So far this season, they are hitting .083 against him with an OPS of .167. As a result, he has become a lefty specialist at times and built on his success from last year.

In his first stint in the majors with the Mariners in 2022, Bernardino posted a 3.86 ERA in 2.1 innings of work. While he only made two appearances, Bernardino allowed one run and was able to minimize the damage when batters reached base. Over the last few weeks, he has gotten a more extended look, and he is not wasting his outings.

If the 2014 draftee continues his recent performance, the Red Sox will have some interesting decisions to make when they are at full strength. Bernardino appears to have found a home in Boston, and he is carving out a role on a team that is on pace to win over 90 games.

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