Taylor's positive outing bright spot in embarrassing loss

Photo courtesy of Leon Halip/Getty Images
The Red Sox got embarrassed last night when Steven Wright's knuckleball clearly wasn't working as he allowed six runs in the first and then two more in the second before being pulled after 1.1 innings of work.

Wright was replaced by Ben Taylor, who has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox out of the bullpen so far this season.

Taylor's fastball, that ranges anywhere from 92-94 mph, has proved to be a go-to pitch for the 24 year old righty. He went 3.2 innings last night allowing just one run on three hits, walking one and striking out three. This outing definitely saved the Red Sox bullpen after such a short outing by Wright and
the lost off day today due to a make up game with the Pirates.

“Thank God Taylor came in and did well,” Wright said. “He saved our bullpen. Everyone who came in did a good job of eating some innings so we have a chance to go out and win tomorrow.”

Taylor was a shock to most by making the Major League team out of camp. When Robbie Ross, Tyler Thornburg were placed on the disabled list and then Matt Barnes and Joe Kelly missed time due to the plague, Taylor took advantage of the opportunity given to him.

Taylor now has a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 innings of work this season and took advantage of his opportunity with Boston's banged up bullpen.

The right-hander has proven that he can be a reliable arm out of the Red Sox inconsistent bullpen and could be the go-to guy as a long reliever role after last nights work.

Ryan Spagnoli
Contributing Writer
Follow him on Twitter @Ryan_Spags