What Zack Kelly brings to the Red Sox bullpen
The long wait is over for one Red Sox prospect
WooSox reliever Zack Kelly delivers a pitch during a game on September 24, 2021 at Polar Park. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)
On Sunday afternoon, the Red Sox made major changes to their bullpen. Veterans Austin Davis and Hirokazu Sawamura were designated for assignment to give some younger arms a look. Kaleb Ort and Zack Kelly will take their spots down the stretch. While Ort has already seen some time in the majors this year, it will be Kelly’s first call up to the big leagues.
Through 44 games this season in Triple-A, Kelly has posted a 2.72 ERA and allowed two home runs. The 27-year-old has also struck out 72 batters and shown solid control by allowing 25 walks. However, his performance has been no surprise after a stellar first season in the Red Sox system.
After the Red Sox signed Kelly to a minor league deal in 2021, he recorded a 2.18 ERA in 36 games between two levels. He also played various roles and had six saves, including one for Worcester. Regardless of the situation, the Roanoke native was successful, which has continued this season.
In the former Athletic, the Red Sox bullpen is getting a right-hander with a unique arsenal at his disposal. Kelly possesses a fastball that generates a lot of weak contact and a changeup that has the potential to be an above-average pitch. He also has a cutter and slider that tops out at 84 mph.
With their latest moves, the Red Sox are seemingly focusing on their options for next season. They are currently seven games out of a playoff spot, and the bullpen has been a major weakness. Kelly could be part of the solution for the rest of this season and beyond.
As the 2022 campaign winds down, Kelly will be a player to watch. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 2.77 ERA in Triple-A and has little left to prove in the minors. His control has improved, and he has worked out of trouble when batters get on base. That will be key in the majors.
Although the Newbery College product has had a long journey to the majors, his promotion is well deserved. His professional baseball career began in 2017 when the Oakland Athletics signed him for $500 as an undrafted free agent. He was released a year later before being picked up by the Angels, but injuries held him back. He has continued to persevere in the Red Sox organization and is now getting his chance.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox and Major League baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.