Carson Smith Pitches Perfect Inning In Sneaky-Important Debut For Red Sox Bullpen
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Although a lack of offense doomed the Boston Red Sox in Chicago Tuesday night, the lineup hasn't been the problem with the team so far in 2016. Arguably the biggest issue has been the starting rotation's inability to consistently pitch deep into games, leading to an overworked bullpen. That makes Carson Smith's debut against the White Sox one of the timeliest appearances you'll see all season.
Not only did Smith return to the mound, he pitched a perfect seventh inning on just nine pitches. He struck Austin Jackson out looking with an 87-mph slider that started outside but tailed back over the plate. Smith showed how effective he can be when he's keeping hitters off-balance with his deceptively timed delivery and movement on his breaking pitches.
Smith credited his teammates with helping him get the first two outs of the inning on ground balls.
"Obviously, once I let go of the ball there's not that much I can do about it," Smith said after the game, "so I was fortunate enough today my defense made plays behind me and then [I] punched a guy out to end it."
SEE ALSO: Red Sox's Carson Smith Explains His Unique Delivery: 'I've Always Thrown A Little Funky'
It's unclear whether the seventh would remain Smith's role moving forward, but whenever he comes into games, Smith's arm will be a welcome addition to the Red Sox relief corps. Adding Smith's power arm to an overworked but mostly effective bullpen can only help the team moving forward.
Manager John Farrell called Smith's outing "clean" and added: "Good action to his stuff. Good sinker. Slider we've seen across the field with the final strikeout to Jackson. Good to see him back and active with us."
Even if the problems persist with the Red Sox rotation, if the bullpen can stay healthy they could be one of the strongest in the American League. Smith should ultimately be a major part of that.
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.
