Red Sox place Bello on IL with right lat tightness

The Boston Red Sox placed pitcher Brayan Bello on the 15-day IL with right lat tightness, the team announced Wednesday.

The club recalled right-hander Zack Kelly from Triple-A Worcester to fill Bello's spot on the active roster in a corresponding move.

Bello, the Opening Day starter for the Red Sox, pitched to a 3.93 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 18 1/3 innings before the injury. The 24-year-old signed a six-year, $55-million contract extension in early March.

Losing Bello is more unfortunate news for a Red Sox team that's been decimated by injuries to start the year.

Triston Casas, Lucas Giolito, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, and Trevor Story are all currently sidelined. Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill have also missed time this season.

The Red Sox have been surprisingly competitive despite the injuries. Their pitching staff, with its MLB-best 2.60 ERA, has the team sitting third in the competitive AL East with a 13-11 record.