The Boston Red Sox's offensive pitching plans haven't panned out in many regards, particularly when it comes to run prevention. Their most pressing issue now, however, is that two of their starters are on the injured list.
Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo are dealing with injuries, as is depth starter Tyler Uberstine while Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval had their rehab assignments halted by new ailments. The Red Sox were forced to call someone up who hadn't seen the big leagues in 2026, and his return to Boston was as electric as fans expected it to be.
Payton Tolle mowed down the New York Yankees' lineup on April 23. The massive lefty prospect went six innings, allowing just one run on three hits, a near-Pesky pole homer off the bat of Jazz Chisholm Jr. Tolle struck out a staggering 11 Yankees, including Aaron Judge twice and the scorching hot Ben Rice once. Tolle became the first rookie this year to generate 11 strikeouts in a single start.
When Tolle struck out Trent Grisham to end the fourth inning, he stomped back to Boston's dugout, screaming like a madman. He'd allowed hits to Amed Rosario and Rice, and walked Judge before he collected a single out. He then fanned Giancarlo Stanton, induced a flyout off the bat of Randal Grichuk and caught Grisham looking to get out of a bases-loaded jam— his screams were more than deserved.
Red Sox shouldn't return Payton Tolle to the minor leagues after incredible outing against Yankees
Tolle's back. pic.twitter.com/KCWQikre3V
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 23, 2026
Even after Gray and Oviedo return to the rotation — Gray should be first, as the Red Sox think his hamstring strain isn't severe — the Red Sox can't justify sending Tolle back down to the minor leagues. Not only did he keep the Yankees off the bases by racking up strikeouts to an extent that the rest of Boston's "run prevention" staff hasn't been able to meet, his energy could be just the shot in the arm the Red Sox need.
Yes, the Red Sox are in a suboptimal position to start the year, but they also look like they've never had fun before in their lives. Multiple players have noted that Boston is taking its early losses too hard. The Red Sox are the best version of themselves when the vibes are good and they're playing for each other — just look at the difference in Sox players' World Baseball Classic production and their work after they returned to their struggling big league team.
Tolle turned in one of the best outings by a starter the Red Sox have seen so far this year, and that's saying something with Garrett Crochet in this rotation. Boston needs Tolle's strike throwing ability and infectious energy to play its best while almost every part of the team is struggling.
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