Zack Kelly leaves the game with a right arm injury
Red Sox pitcher Zack Kelly left Wednesday’s game with watch looks like a serious right arm injury.
Kelly came into the game in the fifth inning, replacing starter Chris Sale.
While facing Rays slugger Yandy Diaz, Kelly threw an 81 mph changeup that hit the batter. Kelly immediately crouched down, placed face into his hands and became very emotional. He then grabbed his right elbow while crouched down on the mound.
The 28-year-old reliever walked off the field with manager Alex Cora and trainers.
The Red Sox have announced that Kelly left the game with right elbow pain.
The Virginia native has been one of the Red Sox best relievers statically to begin the season. During Wednesday night’s game against the Rays he gave up two runs in 2/3 of an inning. Prior to that he compiled a 1.35 ERA in his first five appearances of 2023, allowing only one earned run in 6 2/3 innings.
Kelly has dealt with elbow issues in the past. The righty tore his UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) back in spring training in 2020 and underwent surgery that May. He did not have traditional Tommy John surgery, he underwent a similar procedure to the one Trevor Story had back in January.
The Red Sox will need to make a roster move for the bullpen to replace Kelly. Kutter Crawford was just optioned to Triple-A Worcester and could be sent back to the Red Sox. Boston could look to add one of the other WooSox relievers with player options.
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