The Boston Red Sox have hit a bit of a snag with their new pitching acquisitions as the 2026 season kicks off. Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez both faced challenges in their debut starts, each unable to make it through five innings while allowing four runs apiece.
Monday’s game saw Suarez handing the ball over to Johan Oviedo, a fresh face from a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Oviedo, who came off a solid 2025 season with a 3.57 ERA over 40 1/3 innings post-injury, found himself struggling in relief.
The Red Sox fell to the Houston Astros, 8-1, with Oviedo giving up four runs over 3 2/3 innings, including six hits and a walk. Expectations were high for Oviedo to have a breakout year, largely due to his impressive fastball.
However, that fastball didn’t quite live up to its reputation this time around. Averaging 93 mph-down from his 2025 average of 95 mph-it lacked the punch needed to keep hitters off balance. While Oviedo’s delivery generally gives his pitches an edge, the reduced velocity meant he needed pinpoint accuracy, which was missing in his Red Sox debut.
Interestingly, during Spring Training, Oviedo’s velocity was right on track, hitting 95 mph consistently in his first four outings. Yet, just before the season started, it dipped to 93 mph. While there’s no official word of an injury, this decline is something to keep an eye on.
It's early days, and there's no need to hit the panic button yet. Oviedo’s fastball velocity is crucial for his success, and monitoring it over the coming weeks will be key. If adjustments are needed, Oviedo still has the option to head to Triple-A Worcester to refine his skills without the pressure of the big leagues.