In 2021, Nathan Eovaldi has been the Red Sox best pitcher. The righty took the hill to open the Red Sox season and has pitched like an ace. As the offense has been one of the best in baseball, Eovaldi has set the tone for the rotation.
In four starts this season, Eovaldi has posted a 3.04 ERA. The Red Sox ace has also struck out 24 batters while only walking four. In every start, he has gone at least five innings and only allowed more than two earned runs once. Through the first month of the season, he has put the Red Sox in a position to win every time he steps on the mound. His start has also been a continuation of his success from last season.
Dating back to 2020, Eovaldi has not allowed a home run in six straight starts. In his last eight starts, he only walked six batters while posting a 2.01 ERA. In that span, he has taken his game to another level. Even when he hasn’t had his best stuff, he still gives the Red Sox a chance to win.
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On Monday afternoon, Eovaldi helped Boston get back in the win column despite enduring his worst start of 2021. In 6.1 innings of work against the White Sox, he allowed a season-high nine hits and four runs. However, the Red Sox offense provided him with plenty of support as they scored six runs in the first inning. As Eovaldi earned his third win of the season, he struck out ten batters for the first time this year.
Additionally, through 23.2 innings of work, Eovaldi has held opponents to a .236 average. His Patriots day start was the first time this season that he had surrendered more than five hits in a start. While the offense will be the strength of this team, Eovaldi has exceeded expectations through Boston’s first 17 games.
Keys for Eovaldi’s continued success
During Eovaldi’s tenure in Boston, he has spent five stints on the injured list. The most innings he has thrown in a season with Boston is 67.2. Although the season is far from over, his control has improved, and the Red Sox have won his last three starts. As the Houston native looks to build on his success, avoiding the injury list will be key.
In the first month of 2021, Eovaldi has faced playoff-caliber teams with the exception of Baltimore. He has been aggressive against opponents while limiting walks and extra-base hits. If he can continue that approach, 2021 could be a memorable season for the Red Sox righty.
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