Brayan Bello returns to majors, plays key role in Red Sox’ comeback win over Mets

NEW YORK — Brayan Bello is back, at least for now.

In need of a long reliever, the Red Sox called up Bello from Triple-A Worcester on Sunday. He contributed 4⅓ innings out of the bullpen and held the Mets to one run, playing a key role in a come-from-behind, 3-2, 10-inning victory — the team’s ninth consecutive win.

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“Long time in the minor leagues, but it felt great to be back in the big leagues,” said Bello, who had been with Worcester for a little over a month, through an interpreter. “It felt very good to give the team the opportunity to win and to keep rolling.”

Following his demotion June 4, Bello tracked his major league teammates “every single day,” he said. His return took an unexpected form — as a bullpen arm — but he should figure into the Red Sox’ post-All-Star break plans, whatever the role.

Bello filled the roster spot created when the Sox designated veteran reliever Danny Coulombe for assignment Saturday night.

“It stunk because [Coulombe’s] an amazing human being,” interim manager Chad Tracy said of cutting the 36-year-old lefthander, who had signed a one-year, $1 million contract in March. “He handled it like an ultra-pro, like he is. But it’s difficult.”

The move also allowed the Red Sox to keep rookie Eduardo Rivera, who tossed 3⅔ scoreless innings in a spot start Saturday — and is up to seven scoreless (two hits) across a pair of major league appearances.

“When you look at the stuff and the swing-and-miss capability and some of the weak contact, it’s like, this is a pretty good arm,” Tracy said. “His performance [merited a longer stay in the majors], yes, but also the length [and] pitches that [he] provides.”

Willson Contreras was on the field two hours before first pitch, practicing for Monday night’s Home Run Derby. He sent pitch after pitch from interim bench coach José David Flores into the left-field stands, honing his swing for Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

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“He was in liftoff mode,” said Flores, who will pitch to Contreras in the Derby.

Flores has been throwing batting practice to Contreras since 2013, when he was a minor league instructor with the Cubs and Contreras was a prospect.

Flores grooved his pitches to just the right spot — “Middle in and belt high,” he said — and Contreras took care of the rest as a group of teammates watched and offered advice.

Flores believes Contreras has a shot at winning the contest.

“For Willson, Philadelphia is a good park,” he said. “It’s an extremely good park for homers. For him, left field will be great.”

Contreras also did some agility drills in the outfield. He came out of Wednesday’s game against the White Sox after fouling a ball off his left foot but is fine now.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Sox plan to realign their rotation with Jake Bennett on Friday, Patrick Sandoval on Saturday, and Sonny Gray on Sunday against the visiting Rays, Tracy said.

The to-be-decided element: how to handle the other game in the doubleheader Friday. Bello, Rivera, and others could factor in. Both teams will be allowed a 27th man for that day.

Tracy on the Red Sox having four All-Stars, none of them Gray (11-1, 2.54 ERA): “There’s one missing” . . . An every-few-days check-in: Garrett Crochet (left shoulder injury) still has not been cleared to throw, and Roman Anthony (sprained right hand/wrist) still has not been cleared to swing . . . Among the goings-on at Citi Field: filming of scenes for “The Catch,” a romcom starring Chris Pine and Emma Stone. In preparation for his ceremonial first pitch, Pine spent time practicing not only throwing a baseball but also tipping his cap and waving to the crowd. When the moment arrived, he did two full takes — emerge from the dugout, hear applause from fans, take the mound, wave, throw, hug Mookie Wilson.

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(Peter Abraham of the Globe staff contributed to this report.)