(Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta has a 4.11 ERA in 81 innings this year.
That’s an acceptable number in today’s game, but not elite by any means.
However, once the Sox found Pivetta’s perfect role, he has blossomed into an elite contributor.
As a starter, Pivetta had a 6.30 ERA in 40 innings.
That’s probably why he lost his spot in the rotation; that and the return of Brayan Bello first and James Paxton next from their respective injuries a few weeks ago.
However, as a bulk reliever, Pivetta has excelled to the tune of a 1.98 ERA in 41 frames.
Analyst Tyler Milliken has a more thorough statistical report on Pivetta from the bullpen.
Warning: it’s magnificent.
Nick Pivetta’s bullpen numbers get more ridiculous with every outing.
41 IP
1.98 ERA/2.58 FIP
12.7 K/9
3.3 BB/9
0.80 WHIP
0.6 HR/913
.128 BAA
He’s just a different animal when he walks through those bullpen doors. pic.twitter.com/aa1RYgzgw7
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) July 26, 2023
The Red Sox put an “opener” before him that takes care of the first inning or two.
After that Pivetta takes over, and dominates.
He usually starts his outings while facing the bottom of the opposing team’s lineup and his confidence grows at that point.
On Tuesday, he had another masterful bulk relief appearance against MLB’s top team, the Atlanta Braves.
John Schreiber “opened” things with a run allowed in one inning.
Then, Pivetta tossed five scoreless frames with just three hits and a walk, striking out five.
He took the win for his efforts, shutting down MLB’s best squad.
Before pitching an inning on Saturday, Pivetta’s previous bulk appearance came last Monday against the Oakland Athletics: six innings, no hits, two walks, and 13 (!) punchouts.
It’s the perfect role for a pitcher like Pivetta, who has an 11.25 ERA in the first inning this season.
Kudos to the Red Sox for identifying this situation and putting him in the best possible position to succeed.
The post Red Sox Found The Perfect Role For Nick Pivetta appeared first on The Cold Wire.