Red Sox Should Love Fast Start From Once-Uncertain Group

The Boston Red Sox certainly had some question marks regarding the bullpen to start the season, especially after Liam Hendriks hit the injured list with elbow inflammation.

The group had established arms with Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten and Aroldis Chapman leading the charge in leverage spots, but a level of uncertainty still resonated before Opening Day.

So far, the bullpen has settled those nerves with excellent production. The Red Sox entered Thursday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles with a 2.12 bullpen ERA. Chapman already nailed down two saves and the group boasts just south of a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Alex Cora should have faith in the group and can get a boost when Hendriks returns without the pressure of the closer role.

Whitlock could very well become the first-half MVP for Boston if he continues this comeback tour as the super-reliever for the Red Sox. His ability to reset the bullpen is essential and his stuff looks closer to the electric arsenal he sported in his dominant 2021 debut season.

The Red Sox bullpen picked up starter Tanner Houck on Thursday to secure the series win. Boston’s relievers logged five innings with one earned run allowed on three hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

Give credit where credit is due for Andrew Bailey and the pitching collective. It’s early, but the bullpen could overperform original expectations and will still likely shuffle several arms throughout the season.