Justin Garza is becoming an important piece of the Red Sox bullpen

Photo Credit: AP Photo

During the first few months of the 2023 campaign, the Red Sox bullpen has undergone constant change. They have had to rely on their depth due to injuries and at times turned to the waiver wire. One addition who is making an impact is Justin Garza. Since he was claimed off waivers from the Angels on April 28th, he has surpassed expectations.

While his Red Sox career began less than two months ago, Garza is becoming a reliever Alex Cora can rely on. Through nine appearances in a Red Sox uniform, Garza has posted a 1.00 ERA and allowed one run. In that span, opponents are hitting .097 against him and struggling to make hard contact. That is a better start than anyone could have predicted.

Additionally, the 29-year-old is showing excellent control. Garza has struck out eight batters and only walked three. During his first stint in the majors last year, his issue was keeping batters from reaching base. That has not been the case over the last five weeks, as Garza has not allowed a hit in eight of his nine outings.

Although it is unlikely that Garza will pitch like this for the rest of the season, Cora has been able to maximize his strengths. The Cal State Fullerton product has a fastball that he can locate high in the strike zone and changeup with sinking action. Due to his four-pitch mix, Garza can be hard to barrel up.

As the former eighth-round pick looks to continue his impressive start, consistency will be critical. On Saturday, he showed the ability to work out of trouble as he walked two Rays batters but kept Tampa off the scoreboard. It was Garza’s second consecutive scoreless outing after allowing one earned run to the Reds on May 30th.

Through the first 29 appearances of his career, Garza has posted a 3.82 ERA and struck out 37 batters. The first chapter of his career in Cleveland didn't go well, as he allowed 15 earned runs in 21 games. However, he has been a different pitcher after a change of scenery and made the most of his opportunities in Boston.

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