A rainout turned the final two games of the Boston Red Sox's home opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals into a chilly Sunday doubleheader.
The Red Sox called up top pitching prospect Hunter Dobbins to fill their 27th roster spot given for the doubleheader. Manager Alex Cora said there's a "good chance" Dobbins starts the Sox's second game of the day against St. Louis, according to Chris Henrique of Boston Sports Journal. After Boston's extra-innings win in its first game of the afternoon, Cora confirmed Dobbins would get the ball. It will be his MLB debut.
The righty was initially meant to start the WooSox's game in Jacksonville on the afternoon of April 6, but was put on a plane to Boston instead. Brayan Bello made a rehab start in his stead.
Dobbins has held a spot on Boston's 40-man roster since the team protected him from December's Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old made two starts for the Sox in spring training and allowed two runs on three hits over four innings.
Top pitching prospect Hunter Dobbins to debut against Cardinals, Red Sox rotation ripple effects
Rotation news. There is a "good chance" Dobbins starts Game 2, Alex Cora said. Fitts will go Monday. Crochet Tuesday. Houck Wednesday. Buehler Thursday in homestand finale.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) April 6, 2025
The young righty was one of the first players the Red Sox optioned to Triple-A this spring, and he was slated to start for the WooSox this afternoon. His first start in Worcester showed signs of rust when he got rocked for five runs on three homers over 3.2 innings. He had an excellent year in 2024, though, when he posted a 3.08 ERA with 120 strikeouts and 48 walks over 125.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Boston shuffled its rotation to accommodate Dobbins' call-up. Richard Fitts was initially supposed to start Game 1 of the doubleheader against the Cardinals, but the Sox used Sean Newcomb instead. Fitts will now start their April 7 game against the Blue Jays, and the rest of the rotation will continue as normal — Garrett Crochet will go on April 8, Tanner Houck on April 9 and Walker Buehler will follow in the final game of Boston's opening home stand.
Newcomb surrendered six hits in 4.2 innings but held the Cardinals to just one run in his earlier-than-expected outing. His second start was a marked improvement from his first when the Rangers got to him for four runs on eight hits in four innings.
The Red Sox went on to win their make-up game against the Cardinals in dramatic, extra-innings fashion and set themselves up to claim their first sweep of the season. Dobbins will make his MLB debut in a high-stakes game, which will hopefully help him get back on track on the biggest stage.