When Connelly Early, a pitching prospect for the Boston Red Sox was unexpectedly scratched from a Triple‑A doubleheader on September 7, 2025, the move sent ripples through Fenway’s rotation plans. Chad Tracy, manager of the Worcester Red Sox, confirmed the club asked Early to sit out, not for injury but to keep him "ready for a call‑up." The timing lines up with a Wednesday start‑slot vacancy, and Alex Cora, Boston’s field manager, hinted that left‑hander Payton Tolle could shift to the bullpen, leaving the rotation open for a fresh arm.
Why the Red Sox Are Turning to Their Farm System
Boston’s 2025 season has become a textbook case of youthful arms being thrust into the spotlight. After a shaky start, the club leaned heavily on prospects like Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts and the aforementioned Tolle. All three logged double‑digit starts before the All‑Star break, proving the organization can stretch a thin staff without completely sacrificing competitiveness.
The pressing need surfaced after Dustin May faltered in back‑to‑back outings, failing to pitch beyond the fifth inning on both Tuesday and Wednesday. With Garrett Crochet slated for the Monday night start, the rotation’s depth was quickly becoming a strategic headache.
Connelly Early’s Road to Triple‑A Worcester
Early, a right‑hander drafted in the second round (50th overall) out of Texas Christian University in 2024, raced through the minors faster than most of his peers. He opened 2025 at High‑A Greenville, earned a promotion to Double‑A Portland on June 24, and landed in Triple‑A Worcester by August 6. In 15 starts at the Triple‑A level, Early posted a 3.78 ERA with 86 strikeouts over 78 innings, demonstrating the command the Red Sox front office covets.
During the doubleheader that sparked the rumor, Early was slated for the nightcap but was replaced by left‑hander Isaac Coffey. Tracy told reporters, "[The Red Sox] wanted him not to pitch, and they're probably dealing with stuff up there, and they said they just don't want him to (throw). So he's staying available." The blunt honesty suggested a front office decision rather than a health issue.
How Payton Tolle Fits Into the Puzzle
Tolle’s debut on August 29, 2025, against the Pittsburgh Pirates’ phenom Paul Skenes was a flash of promise—a 5.2‑scoreless innings start that earned him praise but also a cautious workload plan. Cora has emphasized that Tolle won’t be rushed back into the rotation on four‑day rest; the club prefers to monitor his innings and use him in medium‑relief roles when needed.
If Early receives the call, the two could effectively split the Wednesday workload: Early would start, while Tolle could provide a long relief stint, preserving his arm for a future start. This hybrid approach mirrors a strategy Boston employed in 2023, when rookie Jakob Junis combined with veteran Nathan Eovaldi to cover innings during a stretch of injuries.
Recent Promotions Highlight the Trend
- David Sandlin – No. 11 overall prospect, promoted from Double‑A to Triple‑A in May.
- Luis Perales – Returned from Tommy John surgery, reached Triple‑A Worcester in September.
- Hunter Dobbins – Made his MLB debut in June, became a regular swing‑man.
- Richard Fitts – Earned his first major‑league start in July.
These moves illustrate Boston’s willingness to gamble on youth, especially when veteran arms like Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi were placed on the injured list earlier in the season.
What This Means for Boston’s Playoff Hopes
The Red Sox sit just a few games back from a wildcard berth as of September 7. Adding Early could give the club a fresh arm to swing the next series against the New York Yankees, a matchup that often decides postseason fate. Moreover, using Tolle in a high‑leverage bullpen role could keep his ERA sub‑3.00 while providing the flexibility the rotation desperately needs.
Analysts at The Athletic note that "If Boston can keep its young pitchers healthy and manage workloads wisely, the depth they’ve built could be the X‑factor in a September surge." The gamble, however, is clear: too many innings too soon could jeopardize the arms’ long‑term health.
What’s Next? Timeline and Possibilities
Boston hasn’t confirmed a call‑up, but the window is narrow. The club typically finalizes roster moves by the evening of a game day, meaning Early could be on the active list by Wednesday’s morning. If he gets the nod, he’ll debut against the Yankees at Fenway Park, a stage that has seen both triumphs and heartbreak for Boston’s rookies.
If the club opts to hold off, Early will likely continue pitching for Worcester, where he’s slated to start the next scheduled game on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tolle will probably remain in the bullpen, ready for a high‑leverage appearance later in the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon could Connelly Early make his MLB debut?
If Boston decides to promote him, Early could be on the active roster by Wednesday’s game against the Yankees. The club typically announces roster moves the night before, so a decision could be made as early as Tuesday evening.
What impact would Early’s call‑up have on the Red Sox rotation?
Early would likely start the Wednesday game, giving the Red Sox a fresh arm while allowing Payton Tolle to work out of the bullpen. This could provide both depth and flexibility, especially with veteran starters on the injured list.
Why have the Red Sox relied so heavily on young pitchers this season?
Injuries to established starters like Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi forced Boston to accelerate the development of its farm system. The club’s scouting department believes the current crop of prospects can compete at the major‑league level, which has guided the aggressive promotion strategy.
What does the potential promotion say about Boston’s playoff outlook?
Adding a fresh arm could bolster Boston’s September run, especially in a pivotal series against the Yankees. If the youngsters stay healthy and effective, the depth they provide could be the difference between securing a wildcard spot or falling short.
How does Payton Tolle’s workload management affect his future?
Cora’s cautious approach—limiting Tolle to bullpen work and avoiding four‑day rest starts—aims to preserve his arm for a long career. Early‑season success suggests Tolle could become a reliable back‑end starter once he accumulates more innings.
