Red Sox New Pitcher Impresses with 99.7 MPH Debut Fastball

The Boston Red Sox didn’t have much to celebrate in their latest game, losing 8-0 to the Seattle Mariners. Still, if you’re searching for a silver lining, Jorge Alcala’s debut might just be it.

The 29-year-old reliever made his first appearance for Boston and immediately got people talking. He showed off both power and control in a single, electric inning that hints he could become a big piece of the bullpen puzzle.

Alcala wasted no time making an impression. He fired a fastball that clocked in at 99.7 mph during his first outing in a Red Sox uniform.

He only needed 15 pitches for a clean, efficient inning. Even though the team struggled, Alcala’s performance felt like a breath of fresh air and a real glimpse at what he might offer.

Jorge Alcala Brings the Heat in Red Sox Debut

In his debut, Alcala leaned on a two-pitch combo: nine curveballs and six fastballs. His fastball averaged 98.0 mph, and his curveball got two swings and misses.

He threw the three fastest pitches of the night, pretty much overpowering Seattle’s hitters. Manager Alex Cora pointed to Alcala’s fastball as a foundation, but he also called the curveball a “legitimate weapon,” which says a lot.

What stood out? Alcala skipped his slider entirely—probably a smart move. Hitters had been teeing off on that pitch when he was with the Twins, batting .389 against it this season.

In contrast, opponents managed just .205 against his fastball and a measly .143 versus his curve. Focusing on his two best pitches in Boston could be the reset he needs.

Red Sox Betting on a Rebound

Boston got Alcala in a trade with Minnesota. Last year, he put up a 3.24 ERA, but this season was rough—an 8.88 ERA over 24⅓ innings raised some eyebrows.

The Red Sox front office clearly thinks he’s got more to offer, and honestly, his first inning in Boston made that look possible. With that velocity and a swing-and-miss curve, Alcala could fill a real need for a bullpen that’s been a little short on firepower lately.

Manager Alex Cora’s Vision for Alcala

Alex Cora sounds optimistic about Alcala’s fit in the bullpen, especially once he settles in. Dropping the slider might be a sign the team wants him to stick with what works best.

If the coaching staff can help him find consistency, Alcala could turn into a reliable late-inning option. That’s something Boston could really use right now.

What’s Next for Jorge Alcala and the Red Sox Bullpen?

It’s only one inning, but Alcala’s debut left fans with something to look forward to. Here’s why there’s reason for optimism:

• Elite Velocity: Alcala’s 98.0 mph fastball lets him blow pitches by hitters when it matters most.
• Effective Curveball: Opponents are hitting just .143 off his curve, and pairing it with his heater could be a nightmare for batters.
• Fresh Start: Boston gives Alcala a chance to put his slider issues behind him and focus on what works.

As the Red Sox try to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need a bullpen they can trust. If Alcala keeps pitching like he did in Seattle, he might just become a staple in those late innings.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Spot Amidst Struggles

Boston’s 8-0 loss to the Mariners stung, no doubt about it. Still, Jorge Alcala’s perfect inning gave fans a reason to smile.

He flashed overwhelming velocity and a sharp breaking ball. The Dominican-born right-hander showed why the Red Sox wanted him in the first place.

Alcala’s debut felt like it could spark something new—not just for him, but maybe for the whole bullpen. Will it actually happen? Hard to say, but it’s worth watching.

As the season moves on, Alcala’s development will be one of those stories to follow. If he finds his rhythm and makes a few key adjustments, he might just become a real weapon for Alex Cora in the coming weeks.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox trade acquisition hits 99.7 mph in debut; ‘Breaking ball is real’