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Boston Red Sox: Joe Kelly Injury Leaves Door Open for Youngsters

By Nick Fustor

Apr 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly (56) walks off the mound with a member of the training staff during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Joe Kelly (56) walks off the mound with a member of the training staff during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox may have another injury to worry about, as Joe Kelly left his start after recording two outs.

Boston Red Sox right-handed starter Joe Kelly left Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays after just two outs due to a shoulder injury.  Manager John Farrell and his staff decided to take Kelly out after just 23 pitches, and it was later announced that Kelly had a right shoulder impingement, per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe.

While the severity of the injury is yet to be announced, it’s possible that stint on the disabled list is looming for Kelly – leaving the door open for a young starter to make their way into Boston’s rotation.  Kelly has struggled in just 8 2/3 innings pitched this season, as he has a 9.35 ERA and gave up two walks before exiting against the Rays.

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Despite going on a torrid stretch to end the 2015 season and secure his place in the rotation this season, Kelly’s rotation spot is far from secure.  The 27-year-old has yet to prove himself as a consistent starter, and some have said he may be better suited in a bullpen role because of his elite fastball.  His K/9 this season, in limited action, is a scorching mark of 11.42.

Assuming Kelly misses some time, Boston will have to make a tough decision regarding the fifth starter job.  The Red Sox currently have the seventh-worst ERA and eight-fewest innings pitched among starters, as noted by Bleacher Report, and a shakeup could be what the rotation needs.

While the team could wait for young stud lefty Eduardo Rodriguez to return from a knee injury, he may be out another week or two.  He’s currently scheduled to throw 75 pitches in an extended spring training game Saturday, per Christopher Smith of Masslive, which means a return could be as early as next week if things go well.

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    • In the meantime, the Sox have a few options at the major league level if they want to keep Henry Owens or Brian Johnson at the minor league level for a bit longer.  Starter-turned-reliever Matt Barnes was once among the Sox top pitching prospects, and was used as a starter as early as last season – but with success in a relief role this season, the team may not want to shake up his routine. The 25-year-old currently has a 3.38 ERA, but a 1.62 FIP and 11.81 K/9.  It’s possible he could make a start or two while the team awaits Rodriguez’ return.

    However, if Rodriguez isn’t able to return next week and Kelly’s injury proves to be serious, the team may opt for Owens or Johnson – their two touted left-handed pitching prospects who have major league experience.  While Owens has more upside and more major league experience, many see Johnson as the more polished of the two.

    In 63 innings last season, Owens impressed at times and posted a 4.57 ERA with a 7.14 K/9, but struggled with his command and issued 3.43 BB/9.  In three Triple-A starts this season, Owens has returned to his dominant form by throwing a 1.00 ERA with 11.50 K/9, but has an unsettling 5.00 BB/9.

    Johnson, on the other hand, has seen just as much success this season in Triple-A while showing off much better command.  In 9.1 innings pitched, the 25-year-old has a 2.89 ERA with 8.68 K/9 and a 2.89 BB/9.  The job may go to whoever is on the most rest, however, as Johnson last pitched April 16 while Owens pitched April 18.

    If a roster move in impending, Johnson may get the call – but since Kelly’s rotation spot won’t pitch again until later this week, Owens could seemingly be the choice.

    The Red Sox could also go with veteran Roenis Elias, but he hasn’t pitched as well as either Owens or Johnson thus far.

    Next: Could Kyle Lohse Be Headed to Baltimore?

    Boston will need a change soon if they hope to keep their powerful offensive afloat, and either Owens or Johnson could be the solution to a season-long problem.

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