Boston Red Sox rookie Payton Tolle had an electric debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 5.1 innings and getting eight strikeouts. However, he went way over his normal pitch count, and now needs more rest before his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Because of that, the Sox have come to a decision. According to Worcester Red Sox insider Tommy Cassell, Kyle Harrison is being called up to Boston to take Tolle’s start.
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“Kyle Harrison is leaving Polar Park with his bags packed. He’s headed up to Boston,” Cassell tweeted.
Harrison was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in the Rafael Devers trade, and was immediately sent to AAA to work on his stuff. Since going to AAA, he’s gotten a lot better. In the minors this season, he’s got a 5-2 record, a 3.58 ERA, 86 K’s, and a WHIP of 1.47 in 75 innings pitched. In five starts this past month, he had a 2.25 ERA.
This move makes a lot of sense for now. Tolle needs extra rest, and Harrison can help split the load until the playoffs. Due to being called up in September, Harrison cannot participate in the playoffs, but he can help until then.
If the Sox make the playoffs, the days in between games increase, so Tolle will get the rest he needs and won’t be overworked.
Overall, if Harrison can prove himself this month, while he won’t play in October, he could find himself on the Boston roster full-time next season.
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