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The Boston Red Sox received a much-needed boost as they navigate a wave of early-season injuries in their starting rotation. Brayan Bello, one of the team’s top starters, has been activated from the 15-day injured list after missing the season’s first month due to a right shoulder strain, according to Christopher Smith and Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

To clear a roster spot for Bello, the team has optioned reliever Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester. Bello, 25, will make his season debut on Tuesday, April 22, when the Red Sox take on the Seattle Mariners.

Bello is in the first year of a six-year, $55 million contract extension that will keep him in Boston through the 2029 season, with a club option for 2030.

Last season, he pitched a career-high 162.1 innings over 30 games, posting a 14–8 record with a 4.49 ERA, 153 strikeouts, and 64 walks. His breakout year came in 2023, when he put up a 3.1 WAR—the highest of his career—going 12–11 with a 4.24 ERA across 28 starts and 157 innings. That season also marked his best ERA+ (107), indicating performance slightly above league average.

During his rehab assignment in the minors, Bello had some rough outings, allowing 12 runs and 18 hits in 14 innings, resulting in a 7.07 ERA and a .316 opponents’ batting average. However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted that the increased velocity during those outings was a positive sign. “Velocity’s up, which is very important for us. The action of his pitches is good. We know what he can do,” Cora said.

Now set to pitch for the first time in 2025, Bello is expected to go about five innings in his debut, and his return comes at a crucial time for a rotation that’s been stretched thin by injuries.