Jake Bennett's New Curveball Could Pave the Way for Red Sox Call-Up

WORCESTER — Jake Bennett, a promising 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, found himself in the bullpen during a game in Rochester, New York, on April 28 when WooSox pitching coach Dan DeLucia recommended he start experimenting with a curveball. According to DeLucia, “He needed more swing-and-miss weapons,” noting that while Bennett was effective with a cutter, a hard curveball could enhance his ability to get batters to miss.

DeLucia demonstrated the grip on a baseball by marking a black dot and advised Bennett to hold it similarly to his cutter. The results were impressive, as Bennett quickly mastered the pitch, capturing its movement on an iPhone from the bullpen. “He nailed it right away,” DeLucia remarked. Just three days later, Bennett received the call to join the Boston Red Sox.

On May 1, Bennett made his Major League debut at Fenway Park against the Houston Astros, where he threw nine curveballs and ended up securing his first win with a solid performance: 5 innings pitched, 5 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts, leading the Red Sox to a 3-1 victory. Reflecting on the experience, Bennett shared, “Throwing to Yordan Álvarez, (Jose) Altuve, I grew up watching these guys on TV... it really shows you that you can compete at that level.”

Bennett previously threw a curveball in college at the University of Oklahoma, but he admitted, “It wasn’t very good.” He was traded to the Red Sox in the offseason in exchange for right-handed pitcher Luis Perales. In his time with the Worcester Red Sox, Bennett has excelled, posting a 3-2 record with a remarkable 1.60 ERA and 41 strikeouts over 39.1 innings in nine starts.

After a brief stint with the Red Sox on May 7, where he pitched 5.1 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, Bennett returned to Triple-A. DeLucia praised his ability to stay composed and open to feedback, highlighting Bennett's impressive attitude. “He’s doing all he can do,” said WooSox acting manager Iggy Suarez, as Bennett awaits another opportunity in Boston’s starting rotation following the recent demotion of right-handed pitcher Brayan Bello.

Bennett expressed his eagerness for another chance: “It would mean the world... if they call my name again, (I’ll) try and do as much with it as I can.”