Brayan Bello refines his pitching arsenal after trade rumors and rotation move

Brayan Bello has shifted into the fourth spot in the Red Sox rotation and is working to refine his changeup while reviving a curveball as he reports early to spring camp and prepares to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Brayan Bello arrives at spring camp after a contract extension and the 2024 Opening Day start that helped him reach 30 starts for the first time in his career. After the Red Sox added Garrett Crochet and other veterans this offseason, Bello was mentioned in trade rumors and was moved to the fourth spot in a deeper rotation. He is using the change as motivation and is working with new teammate Ranger Suárez on changeup grips while also trying to bring back a curveball he used earlier in his career. Bello arrived early to camp after adding strength and is scheduled to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Key details: - Bello made the 2024 Opening Day start and pitched 30 starts that season after signing a contract extension. - The addition of Garrett Crochet and other veterans led to trade speculation and Bello settling into the fourth rotation spot. - He has been working with Ranger Suárez on changeup grips and is reintroducing a curveball alongside an existing mix of four-seamer, sinker, cutter, sweeper/slider and changeup. - Bello arrived early to spring camp and added strength ahead of the season. - Manager Alex Cora has not finalized the rotation behind Opening Day starter Crochet; the fifth spot remains undecided. Summary: Bello is expanding and differentiating his pitch mix while aiming for better command and shorter at-bats. He will pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and the Red Sox will continue to finalize their rotation choices during spring camp.