On Wednesday night, the Red Sox pitching shined in a 1-0 victory over the New York Mets. Nick Pivetta and the Red Sox bullpen allowed two hits and struck out 15 batters. Adam Ottavino threw a scoreless eighth and continued his impressive stretch. After a rough start, the New York native has been one of Boston’s most effective arms the past two weeks.
In his first season with the Red Sox, he has served as the eighth-inning man. Through 11 games, he posted a 3.86 ERA and recorded five holds. Ottavino has also struck out 13 batters and has not now allowed a home run. Although his ERA is higher than the Red Sox would hope, he has been lights out of late.
Since April 15th, Ottavino has only allowed one earned run in his last seven appearances. Over that span, he has struck out eight batters and not allowed a hit. The veteran reliever has been an important part of the Red Sox’s bullpen after posting a 5.89 ERA last year with the Yankees. As the Red Sox relievers have rebounded from a tough 2020 campaign with the help of a few new additions, Ottavino has been a key piece.
Adam Ottavino, Nasty 81mph Front Hip Slider. 😨 pic.twitter.com/Qg0Lu7Ra2G
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 6, 2021
Additionally, in that span, Ottavino has posted a 1.50 ERA. Along with Matt Barnes, the Red Sox late-inning duo has been one of the league’s best. Due to his recent streak opponents are only batting .200 against him this season. When runners have reached base the Northeastern product has been able to keep opponents off the board. Despite issuing seven walks so far in 2021, he has helped stabilize the Red Sox bullpen.
Ottavino’s recent play has been a welcoming sign after he allowed seven hits in his first four appearances. He also blew his first save opportunity of the season but has been a different player since Matt Barnes returned to the closer’s role. As the Red Sox hope to end their postseason drought, the play of Ottavino will be key.
Through the first month of the season, the Red Sox have been one of the best teams in baseball. Following a win over the Rangers on Friday night, they finished April with a 17-10 record. As Boston looks to prove that their start is no fluke, they will need Ottavino to continue his recent play. Come playoff time, an experienced arm like his will be vital.
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