Brayan Bello Told Reporters 'Stop Talking About Bullpen' Before Being Optioned
Article excerpt
Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello pushed back against reporters discussing a potential move to the bullpen before the team optioned him to Triple-A. The exchange reveals Bello's resistance to leaving the starting rotation, a position he had been competing for with the struggling franchise. His comments came as the Red Sox continue to navigate roster decisions amid an inconsistent season.
Brayan Bello Told Reporters 'Stop Talking About Bullpen' Before Being Optioned originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Interim manager Chad Tracy dropped a bomb on Thursday evening by optioning long-time Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello to Triple-A after his ERA plummeted to the worst in Major League Baseball.
Discussions about Bello's inadequate play have been happening all year. Tracy grew tired of being forced to use an opener for the pitcher 12 appearances into his fifth major league season.
Some fans floated the idea of moving the 27-year-old right-hander to the bullpen. But Bello himself made sure to let relievers know that the bullpen is not an option for him after he surrendered eight runs in five innings.
"First of all, just stop talking about bullpen and starting games," Bello's translator said on his behalf. "I've always been a starter, and when I've been successful as a starter, no one has questioned whether I have to be in the bullpen or starting games. So, starting from there, just stop that talk...
"I'm just having a bad season. That's it. It's not whether I'm a starter or a reliever; I'm just having a bad season."
Here's the full presser. pic.twitter.com/gTWle3jN8z
, Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) June 4, 2026
Bello went on to say that he is looking forward to turning his season around and believes that he will do so.
Tracy took that option away from him late Thursday night.
More MLB: Red Sox Option Brayan Bello To Triple-A