Last night's stint was one of the most impressive clutch performances by a Red Sox reliever I've ever seen--at least in the regular season. Bases loaded, one out vs. one of the most explosive hitters around, trying to hold an 8th-inning tie on the road--he
had to get the strikeout, and did, with a perfectly located, tempting-but-unhittable 98.6 mph upstairs fastball. And then proceeded to neutralize a heroic AB by Profar with
a pitch that should be bookmarked for the next time anyone asks you what "painting the corner" means.
Over his last 20 appearances, dating back to last September 15, Kelly has faced 84 batters, and gotten 65 of them out. Of the other 19, only two have managed more than a single, walk, or HBP. No one has gone deep. His wOBA allowed over this stretch is .188.
Dare we stop wondering when he's going to put it together?