Reinforcements Reportedly On Way For Red Sox As Fireballer Nears Return To Mound

The Boston Red Sox still are fighting for a postseason spot, despite a slim chance. 

Boston currently is five games out of an American League Wild Card spot with just over 20 games left in the 2023 regular season. Not many people expected the Red Sox to be this close to a postseason spot at the beginning of the season so this season already has been a major win. Boston has gotten some very solid performances at the big league level and the club's farm system now is ranked as one of the best in baseball.

The Red Sox have a bright future but still, the club will fight until the last second this season in hopes of nabbing a playoff spot. The final games of the 2023 campaign also will be used to evaluate players to see what their roles will be in 2024. One player who some expected to be done for the season but could be back shortly is relief pitcher Zack Kelly, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"Kelly, who has been out since April 12, when he appeared to suffer a gruesome elbow injury at Tropicana Field, is nearing a return to Boston’s bullpen and still hopes to pitch in the big leagues by the end of the year," Cotillo said. "The righty has already made two rehab appearances in the low levels of the minors and will pitch again at Single-A Salem on Friday and Sunday. After that, he’ll spend about 10 days pitching at Double-A and Triple-A; if all goes well, Kelly could be activated when the Red Sox welcome the White Sox to Boston for a three-game series that begins Sept. 22."

Kelly could be an intriguing hurler to keep an eye on as the season comes to a close. The 28-year-old was set to see an extended role with Boston this season but a tough elbow injury sidelined him. Kelly appeared in six games for the Red Sox to begin the season and compiled a 3.68 ERA. If he can return and look sharp, he could be in line for a solid role with the club next season.