The Red Sox optioned Kelly to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

He's clearing out to make room on the roster for the return of Brayan Bello (shoulder). Kelly has permitted 10 runs over 10 innings this season, although that's come with an 11:2 K:BB. He'll get another opportunity later on this season.

The Red Sox will option Kelly to Triple-A Worcester prior to Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction will clear a spot on the active roster for Brayan Bello (shoulder), who is slated to make his season debut. Kelly boasts an 11:2 K:BB over 10 innings this season but has also surrendered 10 runs across his seven appearances.

Manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday that Kelly has made the Opening Day roster, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts across 7.2 innings in his seven appearances during spring training. The righty began the 2024 season well, posting a 1.53 ERA across his first 29.1 innings. However, he had a 6.59 ERA across his next 27.1 innings, which resulted in him being optioned to Triple-A Worcester in September. He will look to use his spring training as jumping point to recapture what he had in the first half of 2024.

The Red Sox optioned Kelly to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly gave up three earned runs without recording an out during Friday's loss to the Yankees, inflating his ERA to 3.97 across 56.2 innings. He'll now head back to Triple-A, though there's still a possibility he makes another appearance in the majors before the season ends. He'll be joined in Worcester by Cam Booser while Bailey Horn and Zach Penrod come up from the minors to fill the open bullpen spots.

The Red Sox will option Kelly to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The decision to send Kelly down to the minors comes shortly after he allowed three earned runs on a hit and two walks without recording an out in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Yankees. The 29-year-old righty now owns a 3.97 ERA through 56.2 innings on the year and could still return to Boston to help the Sox get through the final several weeks of the regular season.

Kelly did not factor in the decision Monday against Toronto after issuing two walks over three scoreless innings as the opener. He struck out four batters during the loss.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly retired the first seven batters he faced before walking a pair in the third inning. He worked around the traffic before turning the ball over to Justin Slaten in the fourth inning. Kelly matched his longest MLB outing by recording nine outs and dropped his ERA to 2.58 across 52.1 innings. He's turned in 5.2 straight scoreless frames after yielding an earned run in each of his previous three appearances.

Kelly will serve as the Red Sox's opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Blue Jays, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Over his 48 appearances between Boston and Triple-A Worcester this season, Kelly hasn't covered more than three innings on any occasion, and he hasn't recorded more than three outs in any outing since July 22. As such, Kelly shouldn't be expected to work more than once through the batting order before exiting the contest. Cooper Criswell is available on four days' rest and Brad Keller is available on two days' rest as potential bulk-relief options behind Kelly.

Kelly allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit while striking out three over two innings in Monday's 9-8 extra-innings loss to Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly breezed through the ninth inning of a tie game but gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the 10th. It was the fourth lead Boston's bullpen has blown during its road trip to begin the second half -- the 'pen went on to blow a fifth lead in 12th inning when the Rockies walked it off. Kelly has pitched well, but he's been forced into higher-leverage spots with two late-game options injured and closer Kenley Jansen not making the trip due to a pre-existing heart condition that gets exacerbated by high altitude.

Kelly allowed a hit over 2.2 shutout innings as the opener during Sunday's win over the Reds. He struck out three batters.

EDGE Analysis

Boston used eight pitchers in the victory, and Kelly set the tone early with a strong performance. He's given up just one run over his last 11.2 innings, lowering his season ERA to 1.59 through 28.1 frames. Kelly is 2-1 with four holds this season.

Kelly will serve as the Red Sox opener for Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kelly will make his second start of the season Sunday, throwing one-to-two innings before handing the ball off. It's unclear if the Red Sox will commit to a full bullpen game or utilize a bulk reliever, though Chase Anderson would be the likely option to work in bulk behind Kelly.