BOSTON -- Hector Velazquez probably would prefer to erase his major league debut. He gave up six runs (three homers) in 5 innings at Oakland on May 18.

Since then, he has gone 5-0 with a 1.89 ERA (33 1/3 innings) in 11 major league outings, including four starts.

He has held opponents to a .213 batting average.

The righty, who Boston signed out of the Mexican League during spring training 2017, looked sharp again today. He allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five in 5 innings. The Red Sox beat Baltimore 10-3 here at Fenway Park.

Drew Pomeranz (mild flexor strain) will rejoin the Red Sox rotation this week. Steven Wright (knee) will begin a rehab assignment soon (he also must serve a 15-game suspension when activated from the DL).

That said, manager Alex Cora should find important innings for Velazquez in the bullpen when all the starters are healthy.

The Red Sox (12-2) are off to their best start in franchise history. The bullpen is the only concern so far. Boston ranks 22nd in the majors in reliever ERA (4.50).

When everyone is healthy, Cora should keep Brian Johnson stretched out as the long reliever in case he needs a spot starter. He should give Velazquez a chance to pitch high-leverage innings. He could even use him for multiple innings in close games.

Velazquez doesn't throw hard. But mid-90s velocity isn't a prerequisite for high-leverage relievers.

Koji Uehara's fastball averaged 89.2 mph during his dominant 2013 season. He commanded his fastball and splitter, and he averaged 1.1 walks per nine innings.

The worst thing a reliever can do in a close game is walk batters. The Red Sox bullpen has walked too many hitters so far. Boston relievers have combined to average 4.3 walks per nine innings (26 walks, 54 innings)

Velazquez has above-average control.

The righty averaged 2.1 walks per nine innings at Triple-A Pawtucket last year. He averaged 1.1 walks per nine innings during his 22 starts in the Mexican League in 2016.

He continues to throw strikes at a high rate and record outs. So why not give him a chance to pitch important innings as a reliever?

He has two minor league options remaining. So he's obviously a candidate to be sent to Pawtucket and join their starting rotation when all the starters are healthy. He'd be able to stay stretched out there.

But he's arguably more helpful to the big league pen because that's a greater area of need than starting pitching.

"My mentality basically is just to attack hitters," Velazquez said through translator Daveson Perez. "I'm not looking to strike anybody out. I want them to swing the bat. I have seven fielders behind me. I want them to make plays. My game plan is just essentially throwing my fastball up in the zone and setting up my secondary pitches so I can use them to my advantage."

Tyler Thornburg (returning from thoracic outlet syndrome) is reaching 95 mph in extended spring training and he should return at some point in May.

Carson Smith will improve and he should become much more reliable in the eighth inning as this season progresses.

But Velazquez can help, too. And he wants to help no matter the role.

"Whether it be coming out of the bullpen or starting," he said. "And that's what it's all about: Just preparing day by day, physically and mentally to execute the job."