Nathan Eovaldi Won't Come Close to Solving Red Sox Bullpen Struggles

After watching Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier blow too many big games, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has finally said enough is enough and is going outside of the box to fix their porous bullpen.

When starting pitcher and flamethrower Nathan Eovaldi returns from the IL, Cora might use Eovaldi out of the bullpen, most likely as their closer.

Eovaldi will be transitioning to an unfamiliar role, as he has come out of the pen just eight times in an nine-year career. Furthermore, his early struggles with command may not be in the past yet, as a pitcher who throws as hard has he does coming off of an elbow injury is always a concern.

Even if Eovaldi does turn into John Smoltz, that bullpen is far from fixed. One dominant reliever won't be enough to completely rectify Boston, as the inability of Barnes, Colton Brewer, and the motley crew of Pawtucket players that Cora shuffles between Triple-A and the majors to get hitters out remains.

Even if Eovaldi gives the bullpen a momentary shot in the arm, that whole unit needs comprehensive reform before they can be relied on with any degree of comfort.