Brayan Bello faced early challenges in his first 2025 appearance for the Boston Red Sox. He started by getting Seattle Mariners’ leadoff hitter Julio Rodríguez to ground out, but a homer from Jorge Polanco quickly deflated his momentum. Bello then issued a walk to Cal Raleigh and hit both Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley, loading the bases.

Rowdy Tellez followed with a sharp grounder along the first base line. Triston Casas scooped it up and threw to Trevor Story for an out at second. Story spun and sent the ball towards first base as Bello dashed over to cover. Bello planted his foot and lunged to his right to catch Story’s throw. The first base umpire called Tellez out, though the Mariners’ dugout seemed on the verge of challenging.

Their 15-second window elapsed without action, leaving the scorebook to credit Bello with an impressive play that averted a first-inning crisis on his return to the majors. Bello had missed all of spring training due to shoulder soreness, which was evident in his performance. He hit two batters, walked three, and recorded just three strikeouts. The 25-year-old threw 97 pitches, with only 50 being strikes. Despite these hurdles, Bello persevered—even after a leg cramp.

After walking J.P. Crawford in the fourth inning, Bello winced as he put weight on his right leg. Manager Alex Cora and a trainer visited the mound, but after stretching his calf and throwing some warm-up pitches, Bello continued. Brayan Bello’s Red Sox debut was far from flawless, yet he endured for five innings despite several obstacles. He completed five innings, clinching his final out in a dramatic manner.

Randy Arozarena reached a 3-2 count and barely connected with what Bello anticipated would be his last pitch. Bello jumped on the mound, perhaps in frustration or to loosen his calf. Arozarena swung and missed at the next pitch, prompting Bello to shout and pump his fist as he exited the mound. Although not perfect, Bello managed to pitch five one-run innings in his 2025 debut, despite erratic command. Bello has been criticized for showing emotions during games.

If he becomes frustrated too soon, it can disrupt his performance and affect his control. However, sometimes his adrenaline and emotions help him stay focused. Since he missed spring training, it might take Bello a few starts to find his rhythm. Last season, he recorded a 3.47 ERA over 72.2 innings, and that’s the Bello the Red Sox need with Tanner Houck’s struggles and other pitcher injuries. Sox fans are eager for Bello to break out, and thrilling moments like his final strikeout on April 22 indicate he has the potential.