FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a high-scoring 11-10 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training, Brayan Bello experienced a challenging opening inning, but bounced back to demonstrate significant pitching progress. The Red Sox right-hander, who is the focus of growing optimism due to his recent pitching improvements, was pulled early by manager Alex Cora after allowing four earned runs in just one out. However, under spring training rules that allow flexible pitcher usage, Bello returned for a second inning, showcasing the promise he and the team expect.
Recovery and Command Mark Bello’s Second Inning Performance
After struggling in the first inning with low strike efficiency — throwing only 13 of 24 pitches for strikes — Bello sharpened his approach, needing only 11 pitches to retire the side in order during his second turn on the mound. Despite yielding a leadoff double to Riley Tirotta, he struck out a batter and recorded a line-out and groundout, showing increased aggressiveness and control.
“I was more aggressive. I started attacking hitters more,”
Bello said through team interpreter Carlos Villoria Benitez.
We worked on the things that we needed to work (on), and the most important thing is every pitch was there and I felt good. … I was able to get first-pitch strikes, which was the goal of the day.
Manager Alex Cora noted the pitcher’s improved composure and approach in the later part of that inning, focusing on pitch selection and getting ahead in the count.
“I really liked the last three hitters,”
Cora said.
He’s working on a few things, getting ahead, using the changeup. But he got hit around, and then he’s like, ‘OK let me pitch,’ and he was more aggressive the last three hitters. That’s something we’re going to take for the next one, and keep getting better.
Diverse Pitch Arsenal and Introduction of the Curveball
During this outing, Bello leaned heavily on his sinker, which made up 40% of his pitches, supplemented by his changeup, cutter, four-seam fastball, and sweeper. Notably, he introduced a newly developed curveball, a pitch he only threw twice but which already drew an amused reaction from Blue Jays right-fielder Jesús Sánchez.
“It was a very good one, and he laughed as well, at the pitch,”
Bello recounted.
I just threw the pitch and he laughed. … I don’t really know (why). I think that we both enjoy the game, we’re both happy to be here and we just shared that moment.
At 26 years old and four seasons into his major league career, Bello sees the curveball as a key to elevating his performance going forward. He plans to incorporate it more frequently as he becomes comfortable using it in various count situations.
“I’m gonna start throwing it more often,”
Bello said about the curve.
Today I felt comfortable throwing it with two strikes and also to get a swing-and-miss. And I think that from now on that’s a pitch I’m going to rely on, and because I’m able to command it as well. … I feel like it’s been a little bit (of) a challenge facing lefties in the previous years, and I feel like with these two new pitches I’m able to compete a little bit better against lefties.
Building on a Career Year Amidst Pitch Adjustment Challenges
Bello’s 2025 season marked a career-best with a 3.35 ERA over 166 2/3 innings across 29 games (28 starts), reflecting a leap forward in performance. However, beneath those numbers, he navigated difficulties balancing his pitch arsenal. While he raised his workload, he simultaneously reduced his use of changeups significantly as he experimented with new pitches like the cutter and sweeper.
“Last year I was working on adding a cutter, a sweeper, so I lost the feeling for the changeup,”
Bello admitted.
And this year I have both of those pitches locked in for me, so I was able to go back and work on the changeup.
Both Bello and Cora expressed satisfaction with the return and refinement of the changeup during the spring training appearance.
“I’m very happy because I think I was very consistent with it, and also it had a lot of depth, a lot of movement, and that’s one of things that I wanted to work, and I’ve been working, on the past few months,”
Bello noted.
Throwing to lefties, righties, and at any count, and I think today we were able to take a step forward with that pitch.
Experience and Maturity Shaping Increased Confidence
Considering Bello’s progress last year without fully regaining command of his changeup, expectations grow for an even more effective season if he maintains improved control of his full repertoire. His experience as one of the longer-tenured pitchers on the Red Sox staff, combined with emerging pitch options, is fostering greater confidence.
“Last year I was battling with two or three pitches, I didn’t have my changeup, and I was able to have the season that I had,”
Bello reflected.
I feel like this year for me, coming in camp feeling healthy, having the curveball and having the changeup back, which is one of my best pitches, I think I’m going to have a better season.
Also I’m more experienced, more maturity, so I feel like for me, having that repertoire and adding the experience and maturity, I think that’s going to be the recipe for a good season.
Implications for the Red Sox and Upcoming Season
Bello’s progress in command and pitch variety could prove crucial for the Red Sox’s pitching depth this season. As the team relies on younger talent and seeks to solidify rotation consistency, Bello’s demonstrated growth and willingness to embrace new pitches provide reason for cautious optimism. With his improved changeup and curveball complementing his established sinker and fastball, the righty appears poised for a season that builds on his previous successes and addresses past challenges.
Manager Alex Cora’s recognition of Bello’s ongoing development underscores the team’s strategic patience, aiming to harness the pitcher’s full potential as the season unfolds. How Bello’s refined approach translates in regular-season games will be an important storyline for Boston’s pitching staff.
