One Red Sox Player Who Has Consistently Dominated Yankees

The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in baseball seemingly every year. Even in down years, the Boston Red Sox’s biggest rival finds itself in a playoff chase.

While playing against the Yankees typically offers a greater challenge than many other opponents, one Red Sox player has consistently shown up in rivalry games, and it’s gone mostly unnoticed.

Brayan Bello has started more games against the Yankees than any other opponent besides the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s made 10 starts against the Yankees through his four years in the league. Friday night at Yankee Stadium will mark his 11th career start against New York.

It’s also the team he’s had the most success against. His 2.21 ERA against them is his lowest against any opponent he’s started against at least three times outside of the hapless Miami Marlins (1.80 ERA in three starts).

Bello’s most recent outing against the Yankees came on June 15 at Fenway Park. He fired seven innings of shutout baseball and struck out eight as the Red Sox won, 2-0.

It doesn’t appear as if Bello is bringing anything extra to the table against New York, outside of maybe additional focus. His average fastball velocity in games against the Yankees is in line with all other opponents.

The Red Sox could use another strong outing from Bello. Lucas Giolito only completed 4 2/3 innings on Thursday, and the Red Sox used five relievers in their 6-3 win. Getting deep into the game would help the team reset its bullpen. Boston has 13 games in 13 days before their next off day on September 4.