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Breakout Reliever Stabilizing Red Sox Bullpen

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Every year, plenty of players come from seemingly nowhere to make a difference. Whether it’s a rookie who dominates or a minor-league journeyman who finally gets his shot, they can vault an organization to new heights. For the Boston Red Sox, there have been multiple players that fit this mold in 2024. And in a bullpen that includes veterans and inexperience, one player sticks out over the rest. Kenley Jansen may be the biggest name, but he isn’t the best story. Breakout reliever Zack Kelly is stabilizing the Red Sox bullpen. 

Breakout Reliever Stabilizing Red Sox Bullpen

Zack Kelly Finally Sticks In MLB

Kelly had thrown just 23 innings in MLB before the 2024 campaign began. That inexperience hasn’t shown at all. Kelly initially didn’t even make Boston’s opening day roster, starting the year with Triple-A Worcester. He moved to the majors on April 24 and posted three scoreless outings in the month. Over five innings, he struck out six batters and allowed just one baserunner. That mostly spilled over into May, which, despite a few hiccups, was a strong month. After allowing two runs in his first game of the month, Kelly recorded a 1.63 ERA over the rest of May. 

 

The right-hander had a 2.16 ERA on May 26 when, surprisingly, he was optioned back to the minor leagues. Kelly spent under two weeks with the WooSox before returning to Boston. When he entered the fray again, it was pure dominance in June. Kelly allowed just one run in 12 ⅔ innings, striking out multiple batters in seven of his 10 contests. In total, he punched out 18 opponents and collected two wins. The Red Sox went 7-3 in games Kelly played and pushed themselves into playoff contention. He had a 0.71 ERA, 0.47 WHIP, and opponents batted an astounding .071 against Kelly. In that month alone, he proved that he deserved and earned his place in the backend of Boston’s bullpen.

July wasn’t as pretty for the 29-year-old, who posted a 5.25 ERA in 12 innings. He had smaller blips and usually avoided snowballing outings. But despite the slight hurdle, his ERA still sat at 2.61 entering August. He struck out over a batter an inning, something that is now considered normal for Kelly. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last four games. It hasn’t always been the prettiest or easiest for Kelly. But a 2.55 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 42 ⅓ innings says something. Kelly isn’t someone who bounces between the majors and minors anymore. He’s a solidified and trusted major league reliever.

 

Kelly Proves Further Through Reliability

Outside of his performances, Kelly has also been there to help an ailing organization. The Red Sox have dealt with multiple injuries this season and, in turn, have seen many faces switch between the minor and major leagues. Veteran Chris Martin is currently hurt and previously was out. Kelly has stepped right in and helped bridge the gap until Martin returns. Kelly also aided other season-ending injuries to pitchers like Garrett Whitlock. A more reliable bullpen means less pressure, and potential better productivity, for a starting rotation. 

Zack Kelly Before 2024

Kelly’s path to MLB consistency isn’t like many others. He played college ball at the Division II level for Concord University and Newberry College. After finishing up, Kelly went undrafted and was signed by the Oakland Athletics. He was released a year later, signed by the Los Angeles Angels, and was let go again in 2020. Boston swooped into the picture at the beginning of 2021. Kelly was strong in his first two seasons, ending with a 2.18 and 2.72 ERA respectively. He made his MLB debut in 2022, throwing 13 ⅔ innings and recording a 3.95 ERA. 

Last year was rough for the reliever, who had an elbow injury that kept him off the field for most of the season. Kelly threw just over nine innings in the majors, surrendering four runs and seven hits. His rehab assignments in the minors were dreadful. He navigated them by allowing eight runs in just six innings. But Kelly rebounded with ease in 2024. Over his two stints in Triple-A, he didn’t give up a run, allowed just one hit, and threw nearly 11 innings. That has smoothly transitioned over to his play at the MLB level. 

Zack Kelly Beyond 2024

The Red Sox don’t have to worry about Kelly leaving the club in the future, with the right-hander arbitration eligible for the foreseeable future. Boston can sit back, relax, and watch him continue to develop in front of its eyes. For Kelly, the feeling should be similar. The Red Sox were the ones who gave him his first shot at the major leagues. He’s in a comfortable scenario and has teammates he’s previously played with. Kelly may have blossomed into his present-day self late, but there’s no shame in that. If he continues on the current track, Boston has an absolute steal on its hands. It’s all about progression now, but the hard work is done. Kelly, after everything he had to work through, is stabilizing the Red Sox bullpen.

Main Photo Credits: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

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