Bello Embraces Challenge, Evolves His Pitch Arsenal

Brayan Bello is finding quiet motivation in a competitive Red Sox rotation, focusing on enhancing his pitching arsenal. He has been exchanging insights on changeup grips with new veteran teammate Ranger Suárez, aiming to further refine this crucial pitch. Bello is also actively working to bring back his curveball, a pitch he utilized earlier in his career, to complement his existing repertoire of a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, sweeper/slider, and changeup.

Manager Alex Cora noted Bello's continuous development, highlighting his reliability despite facing challenges early in his career. Pitching coach Andrew Bailey has been instrumental in helping Bello distinguish between his breaking pitches, a key focus from last season. Bello feels more confident in expanding his pitch mix with increased experience and a better understanding of his mechanics, aiming to improve pitch command and limit walks.

The Red Sox rotation is taking shape, with Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suárez as lefties, and Sonny Gray and Bello as righties. Manager Alex Cora is considering various lineup configurations, emphasizing the versatility of his pitchers. The fifth spot in the rotation is still being determined, with Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval candidates. Additionally, the article briefly mentions other team updates, including Caleb Durbin's recovery, Roman Anthony's potential participation in the World Baseball Classic, and the spring training broadcast schedule.