The Boston Red Sox face mounting pressure to improve their bullpen as they continue their quest for a playoff berth this season. Persistent challenges with their pitching staff, especially at Fenway Park, have mirrored issues from last year when injuries compromised their bullpen effectiveness. With the team’s record hovering near .500, finding dependable right-handed relief has become a critical need.
Current Right-Handed Relief Concerns
Presently, the Red Sox bullpen features only four right-handed pitchers, but two key arms, Jordan Hicks and Isaiah Campbell, have struggled to meet expectations. The anticipated return of Justin Slaten from the injured list offers hope for reinforcement; however, the club must be cautious to avoid rushing him back prematurely. This situation raises the question of whether the organization can find additional bullpen support from within its minor league system.
Considering Richard Fitts as a Relief Candidate
Red Sox color analyst Lou Merloni recently suggested a potential shift for Richard Fitts, a starting pitcher who has split time between the majors and minors this year, proposing that he might serve effectively as a right-handed bullpen option.
The other name that’s intriguing is Richard Fitts,
Merloni said during a broadcast.
It’s been a weird year for Fitts, but can he go to the bullpen and be a right-handed reliever throwing 98, 99 mph? Just a thought.
Fitts, 25, began the season in Boston’s starting rotation and showed glimpses of promise before a six-week injury layoff. He currently holds a 4.83 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP across 10 major league starts. His minor league numbers are somewhat better, featuring a 3.60 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in seven starts, primarily at the Triple-A level.
Potential Benefits of a Bullpen Role for Fitts
While Fitts has mainly been utilized as a starter, the idea of converting him into a relief pitcher offers a strategic option for the Red Sox, who have a limited supply of right-handed arms in the bullpen. By focusing on shorter outings, Fitts could capitalize on his velocity, which sometimes reaches 98 to 99 mph, potentially revitalizing his effectiveness for the team.
This move could create added flexibility, allowing Boston to strengthen a shaky bullpen while giving Fitts a fresh approach that might leverage his strengths better. Such an adaptation has the potential to positively influence the pitching staff as the team strives to stabilize its late-season performance and secure a playoff spot.
Next Steps in the Red Sox’s Bullpen Strategy
As the season progresses, the Red Sox will need to evaluate whether a bullpen transition for Fitts makes sense within their overall roster plans. Should they decide to experiment with him in relief, it could serve as a pivotal development in their push for postseason contention, addressing the urgent need for reliable right-handed pitching support. This strategic adjustment reflects the team’s search for innovative solutions to overcome pitching depth challenges and maximize their chances in the playoff race.