BOSTON — The bullpen had begun to move between innings, relievers milling about to stretch or throw weighted balls against the padded wall. But none stood on the mound to warm up in earnest, even though right-hander Tyler Wells had thrown 75 pitches, four shy of his career high, through five innings.
The Orioles (21-29) have been especially cautious with Wells this season. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and missed the 2020 season because the coronavirus prompted the cancellation of the minor league season.
But on Monday night at Fenway Park, the reins that have been holding Wells back for much of the campaign were loosened — not entirely, but enough to allow for the best start of his career, offering a glimmer of what could be possible come 2023, when the reins are released entirely.
