Over the last few weeks, the Red Sox have had to rely on their depth. Due to a covid outbreak and injuries, they have been without key pieces, such as Ryan Brasier. However, the veteran reliever made his season debut at the beginning of the month and has been a steady presence. While Brasier has missed the majority of the season, he is providing a reminder of his value.
Through seven appearances this year, the Texas native has posted a 3.00 ERA. Although it has been a small sample size, opponents are hitting .300 against him. When runners have reached, Brasier has been able to limit the damage and not allowed a run in two straight games. With rookie sensation Garrett Whitlock currently on the injured list, the Red Sox will need Brasier to step up.
Additionally, the Red Sox right-hander has been no stranger to adversity. In 2021, Brasier has lost his father and was hit in the head by a line drive while rehabbing. When he made his season debut on September third, it was his first time on a big-league mound in almost a year. His start to the season was delayed by a calf strain which kept him out of action for the first two months.
Really cool to see Ryan Brasier put together his first scoreless appearance since returning.
He’s been through a ton this year. #RedSox | #DirtyWater pic.twitter.com/1tzUpDEavx
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) September 5, 2021
Brasier, however, has returned at the perfect time with Boston trying to clinch a playoff spot. Over the past two weeks, he has only walked two batters and allowed two earned runs. After allowing a season-high three hits to the Mariners ten days ago, he did not allow a hit in two appearances against the Mets. When asked what it was like returning during a pennant race, Brasier told the media, “The only thing for me is getting out and trying to help the team win.”
What to expect from Brasier heading into the playoffs
With the regular season winding down, the Red Sox will rely on Brasier’s experience. Wins are at a premium, and the weekend will feature a huge series against the Yankees at Fenway. However, it is a test Boston is prepared for with a mostly healthy roster. The 34-year-old has shown the impact he can make of late as Boston has won seven straight games.
Over the last few weeks, the Red Sox have been defined by their resiliency. That has partly been due to the return of Brasier, who, after seemingly non-stop roadblocks, is pitching meaningful baseball for the Red Sox again.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
