I think everyone who has watched Sox baseball could tell that something was wrong with Tony Pena. His velocity was a little low, his command was completely off. With an ERA go higher and higher after each outing, the Sox finally pulled the trigger, placing Pena on the DL with right elbow tendonitis. Pena had given up runs in 5 of past 10 outings, not what you’d expect from him, or any relief pitcher. I’m not saying it is a reason, but Pena threw more innings last year than at any other time in his career. Hope he gets better soon.

They recalled Lucas Harrell to take Pena’s place. Harrell, who had started most games with Charlotte this season, had a 3.54 ERA in almost 50 innings with the Knights. Harrell was up for the 5th starter position, when the Sox weren’t sure what was gonna happen with Jake Peavy. Unfortunately, he had one real bad outing against the Rockies in the spring, and was sent packing the next day.

I have talked with Harrell for the past 5 years. He has overcome many obstacles to make it to this point, so I can only hope, as do the Sox, that he can help out a beat up, and tired bullpen.

He did pitch out of the Sox pen last year, throw 9.2 innings, allowing 4 runs.

He can only help, right?

Go Sox!!