The Boston bullpen got the Red Sox through a difficult stretch in June as their starting pitchers struggled.
But with the rotation seemingly back on track, the relievers haven't let up thanks to the core group of Adam Ottavino, Josh Taylor, Garrett Whitlock, Hirokazu Sawamura, Darwinzon Hernandez and All-Star hopeful Matt Barnes.
As the month comes to an end, the numbers that group has put together are pretty impressive. Especially given how unexpectedly things have played out. Who knew Barnes could be a lights-out closer or that Rule 5 Draft pick Whitlock would be someone who has starting-pitcher-in-a-pinch potential?
As noted by Boston Sports Info, those six relievers put together 64 collective appearances in June. In that time, they amassed a 10-1 record with eight saves. Over 63 innings pitched in the stretch, their combined ERA is 1.71 with a 1.25 WHIP.
If that keeps up, and Chris Sale returns to alleviate the rotation at some point this summer, this could get really fun.
