When the Boston Red Sox began spring training last month in Fort Myers, there was one big question facing manager Alex Cora: who was going to be the No. 5 starter? After an offseason of moves and with two young arms in the mix, the options were there for Boston’s manager.
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow made an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Johan Oviedo. Entering camp, he was projected to be the No. 5 starter. However, when the Red Sox announced their Opening Day roster on Monday night, Connelly Early made the club.
More MLB on Heavy: Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson Gets a Blunt Warning Ahead of Opening Day
There was some thought that he was going to be insurance in the bullpen with Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello leaving camp to pitch in the World Baseball Classic this month. They were still ramping up to catch up with the rest of the group. In the end, Cora had something else up his sleeve.
Boston Red Sox Announce Connelly Early Will Open the Season in Rotation
Boston closes out their Grapefruit League schedule on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported before the game that Early will start Game 3 of the season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds. Oviedo will begin the season in the bullpen, likely as a piggyback option for Cora.
This is not really a big surprise. Early impressed in spring training and is taking advantage of the opportunity. In his last spring training start, he was dominating against the New York Yankees. Last Wednesday, he threw five innings, allowing one hit, a single to Giancarlo Stanton, with no runs, seven strikeouts, and two walks. He threw 75 pitches, 46 for strikes.
Early had a great command that afternoon. In 17 innings pitched this spring, the left-hander has 16 strikeouts and a 1.59 ERA. This is coming off a Game 3 start for Boston at Yankee Stadium last fall in the American League Wild Card Series. He pitched well in his first postseason start, but was outduelled by New York’s Cam Schlittler.
On Monday, Oviedo had a rough spring outing against Minnesota. In 3.1 innings, he allowed six earned runs on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. His spring training ERA rose to 4.91. That made it easier for Cora in the bigger picture to make his decision.
Connelly Early Adds Youth To an Experienced Rotation
Garrett Crochet will take the ball on Opening Day, followed by Sonny Gray on Saturday in Game 2 against the Reds. Then Early will look to carry his momentum from his Yankees start into the series final on Sunday.
Before spring training, Boston was one team that was considered to have one of the deepest staffs in the MLB. Even with Oviedo predicted to land the No. 5 spot, Cora still had Early and Payton Tolle as options. In the end, Early won the job. Cotillo noted in his social media post on X that Boston will re-assess things after a couple of turns through the rotation.
Boston’s rotation is deep, beginning the season, and it gives Cora several options when needed. It wouldn’t surprise many if Early lasts more than a couple of turns through the rotation. He certainly has outpitched Oviedo this spring and earned the start in Cincinnati.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Boston Red Sox Make Big Decision Surrounding Rising Prospect Ahead of Opening Day appeared first on Heavy Sports.