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Red Sox Make Rotation Tweaks with 10 Games Left

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BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Wednesday on WEEI’s “Afternoons” radio show that Kyle Harrison will start Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. He added that Harrison will stay in the Red Sox rotation for the remainder of the season. Consequently, rookie Payton Tolle will move his flamethrowing fastball to the bullpen. This move locks Connelly Early as the No. 4 starter. 

The Red Sox are calling up southpaw Connelly Early for his MLB debut Tuesday night.
Left-handed pitcher Connelly Early walks off the mound during the WooSox game at Polar Park on Aug. 12, 2025. Credit: © WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rotation Turmoil Leads to Changes for Red Sox

The Red Sox reached this point through a series of setbacks. First, veteran Walker Buehler, who signed with Boston on a one-year $21 million deal, got designated for assignment in late August after posting a 5.45 ERA over 22 starts and one appearance out of the bullpen. Then, trade deadline pickup Dustin May landed on the 15-day injured list last week with shoulder inflammation. Additionally, Jordan Hicks remains sidelined with a forearm strain, which will likely keep him off the mound for the remainder of the regular season, as well as the postseason. These injuries forced Boston to lean on prospects. Now, with 10 games left, Cora seeks a consistent five-man rotation and relies on six left-handed pitchers in his bullpen. 

Tolle’s Shift to the Bullpen

Payton Tolle impressed in his MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs while striking out eight. However, Tolle struggled in his next two starts. He posted a 6.75 ERA, with command issues leading to seven walks. Still, Cora sees upside in the bullpen where Tolle can let his stuff play in short stints. “Tolle can excel in short bursts,” Cora said on WEEI. Chris Cotillo of MassLive echoed this, writing that Tolle’s high-90s fastball suits relief. Thus, the 22-year-old rookie provides versatility in a single or multi-inning role ahead of Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman. 

Early’s Strong Emergence

Connelly Early has dominated in his first two career starts. In his debut last Thursday, he fired through five scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts. Then, this past Tuesday, he allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, fanning seven. Early’s 92-95 mph fastball and sharp changeup overwhelm hitters. Moreover, his 0.87 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings solidify his role. Cora praised him on the radio: “Connelly’s stuff plays up here.” 

Harrison’s Impact

Kyle Harrison will make his first Red Sox start, and his first since he was with the San Francisco Giants, on Saturday. The 24-year-old lefty debuted in relief on September 10, tossing three scoreless innings against Oakland. He allowed three hits but struck out two. Harrison spent the summer refining his arsenal in Triple-A Worcester. There, he posted a 3.66 ERA over 76 1/3 innings. Despite a 1.589 WHIP in Worcester, Cora remains optimistic. “Kyle looked sharp,” he told WEEI listeners. Cotillo highlighted Harrison’s big-league experience as a starter from 2024 with the Giants. 

Playoff Implications

Boston holds a 2 1/2 game lead over the Cleveland Guardians, who are winners of nine of their last 10, for the final American League Wild Card position. This rotation tweak—featuring Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, Early, and now Harrison—aims to preserve this suddenly slim lead. Meanwhile, the bullpen gains Tolle’s arm. Injuries tested depth, but prospects stepped up on short notice. As Cora said, “We’re moving pieces for the stretch.” If Harrison delivers, Boston’s postseason odds rise.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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