Zack Kelly bridged Boston’s bullpen with four shutout innings in an 8-1 loss to Cleveland, a rare bright spot after a seven-run first-innings surge. Expanded rosters gave him a chance to show endurance and a cutter-driven plan that kept hitters off balance. Steven Kwan’s 11-pitch battle underscored Cleveland’s patient approach, while Roman Anthony’s oblique strain and roster chatter (Sogard vs Campbell) highlight Boston’s balancing act as rosters expand, with Alex Cora praising Kelly’s grit.

The piece sketches how bullpen depth could shape September and potential fantasy value for Sox relievers, even amid limited offense. It also flags Anthony’s injury as a variable in Boston’s prospect timeline and hints at how the Sox might allocate innings as the season closes.