Since the end of their weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Boston Red Sox's Wednesday starting pitcher has been in question. One of their top two options will now pitch Tuesday.
The Red Sox will call up top pitching prospect Connelly Early to start against the A's on September 9, according to the "Foul Territory" podcast. Early will start in Dustin May's place, and May will be placed on the injured list. The nature and severity of his injury have not yet been reported.
Early, the Red Sox's No. 6 prospect, and Kyle Harrison, one of the four players acquired in the Rafael Devers trade, were among Boston's potential starter options for Wednesday. The Sox's rotation is desperate for arms after the team released Walker Buehler, Richard Fitts returned to the IL, and Alex Cora's decision that top pitching prospect Payton Tolle will not start on September 10.
The Red Sox acquired May at the trade deadline, an unimpressive addition given their pitching needs. May is a frequent presence on the IL, and before 2025, he'd never pitched more than 56 innings in a single season. He's posted a 4.96 ERA in 132.1 innings between the Red Sox and Dodgers this year. May's ERA in Boston, alone is 5.40 over 28.1 innings.
Top Red Sox pitching prospect Connelly Early to make MLB debut on September 9 against A's
BREAKING: Sources tell Foul Territory that Red Sox are calling up #6 prospect Connelly Early to start tonight vs Athletics. Dustin May expected to go on IL. pic.twitter.com/R83dTLtYWJ
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 9, 2025
The Red Sox drafted Early in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He pitched two professional innings after he was drafted, began the 2024 season in High-A, and ascended to Triple-A on July 29. The 23-year-old lefty has posted a 2.60 ERA with 132 strikeouts and 40 walks over 100.1 innings between Portland and Worcester this year.
Since the Red Sox must use Early on Tuesday, they could summon Harrison to make his team debut the following day, or use Tolle on an additional day of rest. Tolle is just 22-years-old and in his first professional season, so Boston could be hesitant to push him so much. The Red Sox have debated calling Harrison up a few times, but went a different direction each time.
Early will be the third to pitching prospect, alongside Tolle and Hunter Dobbins, to debut for the Red Sox this year. Their recent draft strategy and newfound pitching depth has served them well as multiple of their pitchers hit the IL down the stretch.