The real reason for Boston's recent success
Brian Hines
Contributing Writer
It was just a few weeks ago that the only thing that might keep the Red Sox from making a playoff run or the playoffs at all was their bullpen. The Red Sox bullpen has had a pretty brutal season, a large part due to inconsistent pitching and injuries. But in the past few weeks things have changed, drastically.
Since the calendar hit September the Red Sox might have the best bullpen in the majors. In 17 contest its holds an impressive 0.94 ERA in 47 and 2/3 innings pitched. This hot September has lowered their bullpen ERA to 3.61, which ranks 12th in the majors. They have been tested as guys like Pomeranz and Buchholz have had short starts and they answered with impressive performances.
Additions to the bullpen like Joe Kelly, Robby Scott and Koji Uehara have helped turn things around. During August, the bullpen stuff didn't seem to know their roles. And the Red Sox didn't know who would be pitching to get to Kimbrel. Since these guys have came back to the pen, the pitchers now know their role. They won't be sitting on the bench not knowing when they will pitch. The roles have almost been designated and in a way to put pitchers in a place to succeed.
The great turnaround has helped Boston to a 12-5 record in their last 17 games, while improving their AL East lead to four games. If the bullpen can continue this success into late September and October, a long postseason run could be in the future.
Contributing Writer
It was just a few weeks ago that the only thing that might keep the Red Sox from making a playoff run or the playoffs at all was their bullpen. The Red Sox bullpen has had a pretty brutal season, a large part due to inconsistent pitching and injuries. But in the past few weeks things have changed, drastically.
Since the calendar hit September the Red Sox might have the best bullpen in the majors. In 17 contest its holds an impressive 0.94 ERA in 47 and 2/3 innings pitched. This hot September has lowered their bullpen ERA to 3.61, which ranks 12th in the majors. They have been tested as guys like Pomeranz and Buchholz have had short starts and they answered with impressive performances.
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| The addition of Robby Scott (pictured) and other has cause a turnaround in the Red Sox bullpen Photo Courtesy of Maddie Meyer/Getty Images |
The great turnaround has helped Boston to a 12-5 record in their last 17 games, while improving their AL East lead to four games. If the bullpen can continue this success into late September and October, a long postseason run could be in the future.
