Jake Bennett’s breakout is giving the Red Sox another major weapon in their already elite starting rotation

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Jake Bennett’s breakout is giving the Red Sox another major weapon in their already elite starting rotation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation has been one of the most elite in the entire MLB this season, and it’s gone through its fair share of trials and tribulations. Their ace, Garrett Crochet, got injured early on in the season, and their backend starter Brayan Bello decided to unravel as well.

Luckily, their depth is just as elite as the Opening Day roster. The cream of that crop is Payton Tolle, and now Jake Bennett as well, who has proven he should be the sixth starting pitcher for Boston.

Bennett’s first stint was rough​

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Bennett was first called up to replace Sonny Gray during his IL stint earlier in the season, and then took Ranger Suarez’s spot for a start when he was on the IL as well. In that first stint, he was ok, posting a record of 1-1, a 4.35 ERA, four Ks and a WHIP of 1.450 in 11 innings pitched across two starts.

He then went down upon Suarez’s return, and was recalled to replace Brayan Bello, who was costing Boston games every time he started. And, since the start of his second stint, he’s been on fire.

Bennett has proven to be quite good​

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Since being recalled, Bennett has started in four games. In those games, he has a 2.78 ERA and a FIP of 2.36, along with 21 Ks, and a WHIP of 0.880 in 22 innings pitched.

This has brought his overall statline to a 2-3 record, a 3.27 ERA, 25 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.061 in 33 innings pitched. These are some great stats for a backend starter, and much better than the numbers Bello was putting up.

Bennett has a bright future​

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Bennett has proven he can be an MLB starter, which gives Boston a plethora of options. They could make him a permanent starter this season, allowing them to sell a starter such as Gray, to get themselves some help in other places or prospects.

Or, they could promote him next season, and try to work a blockbuster over the offseason with a guy like Connelly Early as the main piece. Finally, they could offer him to another team, and see what the return would look like.

Any of these cases work for Boston, so hopefully Bennett continues to contribute, and give the Red Sox time to come up with a game plan.

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