For Nick Pivetta, April did not go as planned. In the first month of the season, he posted an 8.27 ERA and allowed four home runs. However, he has turned his season around since the calendar flipped to May. With the Boston Red Sox in need of boast, Pivetta has provided one out of the rotation after a dreadful start.
Over his last three starts, the former fourth-round pick has posted a 2.08 ERA. He has not allowed more than three runs in an outing since April 26 and picked up his first win of the season on Friday night. In his best start of the season, Pivetta pitched seven innings and held the Texas Rangers to one run. After the Red Sox suffered another heartbreaking loss on Wednesday, Pivetta helped them get back in the win column.
Additionally, the 29-year-old has limited extra-base hits over the last month. After allowing four home runs in his first three starts, Pivetta has allowed one since April 26 against Toronto. In May, the Victoria native has held opponents to a .215 batting average. That has been a promising sign for a pitching staff that has struggled with inconsistency.
While the season is far from over, the Red Sox need Pivetta to continue his success. Chris Sale and James Paxton won’t be back for a few months leaving the rotation thin. In order for the Red Sox to bounce back from their rough start, the rotation will be key. As Pivetta’s control has improved, he has shown that he can be part of the solution.
Through 17.1 innings of work this month, Pivetta has walked one batter. In four April starts, he walked 17 and only pitched five or more innings once. While his starts of late haven’t come against the AL East powerhouses, he has been able to avoid stressful situations. The former 136th overall pick has limited the damage when runners have reached.
Keep an Eye on Pivetta
After a dominant 2021 postseason, Pivetta came into this season with high expectations. He posted a 2.63 ERA during the playoffs and held opponents to a .188 average. As he has done over the last few weeks, Pivetta was able to limit hard contact. Returning to that form has provided the Red Sox rotation with a dependable arm. As the season progresses, Pivetta will be a player to watch. His potential has been on full display, and now it is a matter of consistency. Over the last few weeks, Pivetta has shown that a rough start may be behind him as he rounds into form.
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