Bello is 6-2 with a 2.81 ERA in nine games for Triple A Worcester. He pitched last Friday, lining it up perfectly for the game.
Bello has climbed the prospect rankings this season after dominating hitters in Double A and largely holding it against older competition in Triple A.
He pitched 5⅓ shutout innings Friday against Rochester, allowing two hits and striking out eight with three walks.
Bello will face the right-hander Corey Kluber.
Chris Sale was not taken into account for the opening. He will remain on his rehab assignment and kick off for Worcester on Wednesday night.
“We were joking. I said, ‘Man, he’s already exhausted. We can’t disappoint the people of Worcester'”, Sox manager Alex Cora said ahead of a 4-0 win over the Rays. “It will be good for him to go out there and compete. He feels really good.
Sale, who was at Fenway Park on Monday, pitched 7⅔ innings in three minor league starts. He has been on the injured list all season, recovering from a fractured rib suffered in March.
“I talked to him a bit. He’s ready to go,” Cora said. “If it’s up to him, he’ll throw [at Fenway on Wednesday]. But I think there’s one more, maybe two, over there. Go compete on Wednesday and we’ll decide what we do next.
Optimistic Hernandez
Kike Hernandezwho hasn’t played since June 7 with a right hip flexor injury, smiled as he walked through the clubhouse ahead of Monday’s game.
He took a few swings on Saturday and again on Monday and feels much better. It’s now less about the injury and more about preparing to play after a long break.
“It’s like spring training,” Hernández said. “We will see how it evolves.
The tentative plan is for Hernández to begin a minor league rehab assignment later this week.
Make progress
Pitchers Nate Eovaldi (return and Garret Whitlock (right hip) are scheduled for two-run bullpen sessions on Tuesday as they recover from injuries.
The next step would be to face the hitters.
“From there we will decide what we want to do,” Cora said.
Michael Wachawho was scratched from his departure on Monday with what the team called a “heavy arm,” remains on the active roster pending further review.
Rich Hill, who came out with a sprained left knee, had an MRI in Chicago over the weekend. He revealed a torn ligament, but hopes to only miss 2-4 weeks.
“We can handle it. It’s not the end of the season,” he said.
Hill will be fitted for a brace on Tuesday.
Xander Bogaerts, who needed seven stitches to close a cut after being doped on Sunday, was out of training. He texted Cora early to say he was still in pain.
The hope is that he can play on Tuesday.
Josh Taylor, who has pitched six minor league games since June 21, remains in rehab. With three left-handed relievers already on the roster, the Sox seem to be buying time.
“We’ll work out the plan, what’s next for him,” Cora said.
make moves
The Rays had a busy trading day. They reinstated the left-handed reliever Brooks Raley and right-handed reliever Ryan Thompson from the restricted list. Both are unvaccinated and have not traveled to Toronto. Right-handed Javy Guerra and Phoenix sanders were sent back to Triple A Durham. The Rays also recalled the left-hander Josh Fleming and right-handed optional Cristofer Ogando. JP Feyereisen was moved to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man roster for Ogando… As part of pre-game ceremonies to mark Independence Day, the Sox introduced 21 team employees who are veterans. The national anthem was performed by Airman First Class Benton Felty with the color guard of the USS Constitution. Admiral Karl Schultz (retired) threw the first pitch. The Connecticut native served as commander of the Coast Guard from June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2022… The Sox have won eight straight games on July 4.
Peter Abraham can be contacted at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
