DELCARMEN

PAWTUCKET — If anyone at McCoy Stadium appreciates how difficult it is to stick in the major leagues, it’s Manny Delcarmen.

The right-handed reliever has spent part of the last two seasons in Boston, uncorking his 90-plus mph fastball as often as possible. But getting back to the big leagues isn’t easy for anyone, especially a 25-year-old reliever pitching for a franchise stocked with veteran bodies ahead of him.

Delcarmen hasn’t helped his case this season. He’s off to a slow start, even though his trademark ability to strike batters out is still intact. Yesterday provided the perfect example. He came on in the 10th inning of a 7-7 game and struck out the side with “just nasty, filthy stuff,” according to Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. But Delcarmen also uncorked two wild pitches that pushed two runs across and gave Indianapolis a 9-7 victory.

“It was second and third and no out so I was looking to throw it down and away and get a popup,” Delcarmen said. “I think I gripped my four-seam [fastball] too hard. On both pitches.”

Asked if he has control problems with that pitch, Delcarmen said, “I’m disappointed to give up two wild pitches and still strike out the side. I’ve never done that before.”

The 10th-inning trouble continues a slow start for Delcarmen. In his last five outings, he’s given up nine runs on 13 hits. In 13 innings pitched this season, he’s surrendered 11 earned runs (7.43 ERA) and given up 18 hits. On the plus side, he’s struck out 20 batters.

“I went through the video with [pitching coach Mike Griffin] and all and I’m throwing strikes. It’s not my mechanics,” he said. “It’s me making some minor adjustments.”

The Red Sox are stocked with middle relievers in Boston and may see another body (Julian Tavarez) once Jon Lester works himself into top shape. That’ll only make Delcarmen’s push to return to the big leagues with the team he rooted for growing up in Boston even harder.

Unfriendly confines

The PawSox’ record of 2-11 at McCoy Stadium marks the worst home start in franchise history. The PawSox began 3-13 at home in 1989 before recovering to finish 39-39 at home.

The current home stand wraps up tonight against the Indians with Kason Gabbard opposing Sean Burnett. The PawSox shift their start times for night games to 7:05 (6:05 on Saturdays) beginning today.

The PawSox hope for a marked improvement in the second month of the season at home. They’ll get used to their home confines with a schedule that calls for 20 of their 31 May games at McCoy. Pawtucket’s next off day won’t come until June 13.

April stars

The Red Sox announced their minor-league awards for the month of April and no PawSox player made the cut.

The Offensive Players of the Month were Jacoby Ellsbury (Portland) and Bubba Bell (Lancaster). Ellsbury, who is hitting over .400, has been rumored to be headed for an early promotion to Triple A if he stays hot over the next few weeks.

The Pitcher of the Month was Michael Bowden (Lancaster) and the Defensive Player of the Month was Iggy Suarez (Lancaster).

kmcnamar@projo.com