Red Sox Fireballer Making Progress After Disappointing Injury; Could He Be Back Soon?

The Boston Red Sox could use another arm or two in the bullpen right now.

Boston's bullpen -- although much improved from last season -- is very thin at the moment. Injuries have hurt the club, but the bullpen has been overused over the last few weeks as the club's starting rotation has dealt with some struggles. Boston's bullpen has been overworked and could use an extra arm. 

One intriguing option who at one point seemed lost for the season but could possibly make a return this season is fireballer Zack Kelly. The righty made just six appearances for Boston this season before suffering an elbow injury but made his first rehab appearance Friday night and impressed, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham. 

"Zack Kelly pitched a scoreless inning for Greenville last night in his first rehab start since suffering what initially looked like a season-ending injury on April 12," Abraham said. "Struck out two, walked one. 17/11. Good for him. Fought his way to the majors and keeps fighting."

Kelly looked impressive in a small sample size before going down with an injury earlier this season. The 28-year-old compiled a 3.68 ERA across 7 1/3 innings of work. Kelly was in the 64th percentile in fastball velocity and appeared poised to take a step forward this season in his first extended opportunity at the big league level. 

The 28-year-old would be a welcomed sight at the big league level if he was able to return before the 2023 season ends. Boston has struggled lately and likely won't be in the postseason, but getting Kelly back in the bullpen would be a positive story and also give the club a chance to give him another look to see what his role will be with the club in 2024.