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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 24: Starting pitcher Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox are playing the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Georgia.

The teams are tied up at 1-1 after the first two games.

That said, the Red Sox got off to a rough start on Sunday.

Starting pitcher Brayan Bello went 4.0 innings, allowing six hits and six earned runs.

Struggling Pitcher Still Owed $50 Million

GettyBrayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout following the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bello (who turned 27) on Sunday has shown a lot of promise for the Red Sox at different points in his young career.

That said, he has had a tough start to the 2026 season.

Before Sunday’s performance, Bello had already been coming into the day with a 2-4 record and 6.46 ERA in eight games.

With Bello struggling, it’s worth noting the Red Sox still owe him a lot of money.

He is under contract through the end of the 2029 season (with a team option in 2030).

Alex Speier of The Boston Globe wrote (on March 7, 2024): “The Bello deal: $1M signing bonus SALARIES 2024: $1M 2025: $2.5M 2026: $6M 2027: $8.5M 2028: $16M 2029: $19M 2030 team option: $21M ($1M buyout)”

Social Media Reacts To Bello’s Struggles

GettyBrayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Here’s what people were saying about Bello:

@BallParkBuzz: “In year 5, this just cannot happen to Brayan Bello. He’s been in the league long enough that he shouldn’t need an opener. At the very least Bello has to keep the team in the game. He failed miserably today.”

Just Baseball: “Brayan Bello this season: As a starter: 30.2 IP | 9.68 ERA | 2.25 WHIP As a reliever: 13.1 IP | 1.35 ERA | 0.75 WHIP Bello started today’s game after the Red Sox used an opener in his last two outings.”

@TolleEnthusiast: “Bryan Bello should be used in the bullpen when the Red Sox just need to eat innings because they are either up or down by 5. I don’t want to ever see him start another game once Crochet is back”

Tyler Milliken: “No opener for Brayan Bello and the 1st has been ugly. Falling behind hitters. Eventually pays when he leaves a cutter down the middle. Brutal for this offense.”

Red Sox Right Now

GettyInterim manager Chad Tracy #17 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to the first pitch against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.