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Red Sox Call Up Flame-Throwing Pat Light To Help Struggling, Overworked Bullpen

By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) -- It was hours before the Boston Red Sox even took the field in Houston Sunday night that they called up hard-throwing right-hander Pat Light from Triple-A Pawtucket, but the team's 12-inning win underlined the need for an extra arm in the bullpen by the time it was over.

Prized closer acquisition Craig Kimbrel had his first blown save of the young season, allowing a game-tying two-run homer to the Astros' Colby Rasmus. Kimbrel has been inconsistent with his command so far this season, at times looking unhittable but also struggling to locate his fastball and catching too much of the plate. He, along with the rest of the bullpen, has been taxed early in the season as the starters have not consistently pitched deep into games, and with just about every arm in the bullpen grinding the Red Sox through Sunday night's win, Light's lively right arm will be a welcome addition.

Like Kimbrel, Light can hit the upper-'90s with his fastball and has reportedly hit 100 mph at times. He mixes in a decent splitter and could have potential as another setup man for the Red Sox. No, he's not a threat to close - but he could contribute in the middle innings when called upon.

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As for Kimbrel, there's still no need to panic. Not much is out of the ordinary when looking at his advanced stats, except that hitters are getting the ball in the air at a far higher rate than at any other point in his career. He's also throwing fastballs more often (79 percent) than his career average of 72 percent. His velocity is actually up from last season so far.

Could Kimbrel simply be over-throwing his fastball trying to blow it by guys, and forgetting to just pitch? Whatever the issue is, expect it to be resolved sooner rather than later, and for Light to at best contribute in a middle relief role.

Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

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