What It Means:

Kelly was absolutely pounded by the Orioles on Wednesday, surrendering seven runs in just 2 1/3 innings. While the Red Sox could have transitioned Kelly to relief work, they instead opted to option the 27-year-old right-hander in order to allow him to work out his issues in the minors.

In six starts with the big league club, Kelly holds an unsightly 8.46 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. He does own a 22.7 percent strikeout rate, but his 16.0 percent walk rate is among the worst mark in baseball.