After blowing three of his last six save chances, Alfredo
Aceves has lost his closer’s job.
But he may benefit from the decision. During the team’s
series against the Angels, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine indicated the team planned on expanding Aceves’ role on the pitching staff moving forward.
“He can pitch a lot,” Valentine told reporters.
“We’ll try to keep pitching him as much as we can, stretch him out
maybe.”
At the moment, it’s unclear whether stretching Aceves out would be for starting or
long relief. The former would be Aceves’ preference, considering he vehemently
declared his desire to become a starting pitcher in spring training.
When asked if Aceves could be slotted in for a start,
Valentine said “maybe.” For now, however, Aceves is struggling after
posting a 8.68 ERA this month.
“He’s one of 25 guys on the team and we’re trying to
get everyone into a place where the opportunity they’re given fits their needs
and our needs,” Valentine said. “It doesn’t always work out.”
As a closer, Aceves converted 25 of 33 save
opportunities. Through 66 1/3 innings heading into Friday, the 29-year-old
tallied a 2-9 record with a 4.61 ERA and 60 strikeouts.
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