Red Sox To Tinker With Rotation, Start Opener Vs. Orioles

Cooper Criswell was expected to start for the Boston Red Sox in their matchup with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

It’s Brennan Bernardino’s burden, now.

Boston will start Bernardino against the O’s, as shared by NESN’s Jahmai Webster, giving him a clean slate to face Adley Rutschman, Anthony Santander, and Gunnar Henderson — two switch hitters and a lefty.

Bernardino historically has dominated as an opener, holding a career 0.00 ERA in the first inning and holding opponents to a .148 batting average and .419 OPS. Criswell is expected to serve in the bulk role, as he’s eligible to be removed from the COVID-related injured list.

Bernardino’s season has been a tale of two halves. He posted a 1.17 ERA in his first 31 appearances through July 4, before hitting some sort of wall and logging a 12.10 ERA in 13 outings since July 6. The Red Sox optioned the 32-year-old to Triple-A Worcester after Sunday’s game, but recalled him Wednesday when Cam Booser went on the injured list with elbow inflammation.

The Red Sox have lost six of their last eight games, but are still in the American League Wild Card race, trailing the Kansas City Royals by 2.5 games.