One Major Improvement Brayan Bello Made Vs. Padres

Boston Red Sox starter Brayan Bello’s outing on Sunday didn’t end how he wanted it to. He walked the final two batters he faced, leaving the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Bello was charged with five earned runs over 5 2/3 innings as the Red Sox lost to the San Diego Padres, 6-2.

While Bello failed to complete six innings, he did take a major step forward with one pitch in particular — his changeup.

Entering Sunday’s game, Bello had used his changeup about 15% of the time, the lowest rate of his career. Its 16.2% swinging strike rate is also a career low for Bello.

On Sunday, however, the righty used his slowball 13 times and generated six whiffs on six swings, a 46% swinging strike rate. That rate is unsustainable, but it was the most whiffs and the highest swinging strike rate Bello has had in a game this season.

The pitch was commanded expertly, landing almost exclusively low and to the arm-side. Bello also managed to throw the ball two miles per hour slower than his season average. His changeup averaged 89 mph entering the game, while his 13 thrown on Sunday averaged 87 mph.

Bello’s fastball velocity was also down slightly, though the velocity difference between his fastball and changeup was the best it’s been this season. By creating more separation between the pitches, it becomes more difficult for hitters to adjust when they’re fooled by the offering.

Bello’s strikeout rate entering the game was a career-low 18%. He’s pitched well for the Red Sox this season, but still lacks the ability to consistently put hitters away. On Sunday, he struck out seven, four of which came on the changeup. If he can continue executing as he did Sunday, he should see his strikeout rate increase.