The Boston Red Sox are charging toward the postseason with a pitching rotation that’s turning heads, and at the heart of it is an unexpected gem: rookie left-hander Connelly Early. On Tuesday, the young fireballer will take the mound at Fenway Park for his second big-league start, facing the Oakland Athletics in the opener of a three-game series. This move by manager Alex Cora isn’t just a nod to Early’s electric debut—it’s a calculated step to solidify Boston’s rotation for the critical stretch run.
Early’s first MLB outing last week was nothing short of historic. The southpaw struck out 11 batters over five innings, tying a Red Sox record for strikeouts in a debut. “He has a pretty good idea of what he needs to do on the mound to be successful,” Cora said, per The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. That confidence is palpable, and Early’s encore against the A’s could cement his place in Boston’s plans as the regular season winds down.
Following Early, the Red Sox will send out veterans Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello to round out the series against Oakland. According to Healey, this rotation order sets up ace Garrett Crochet to pitch on four days’ rest when Boston opens a weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Come Saturday, the team may turn to another rookie, Payton Tolle, to fill the fifth starter’s spot.
This strategic alignment has major implications. If Cora sticks with this order, Giolito, Bello, and Crochet are primed to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a crucial series next week. Even more tantalizing, Giolito would be available on regular rest for the regular-season finale against the Detroit Tigers on September 28—a game that could determine Boston’s postseason fate. Meanwhile, Crochet is poised to take the ball for a potential playoff opener on September 30, a stage where his dazzling performances could solidify his case for the American League Cy Young Award. The left-hander is locked in a heated race with reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, and with two more starts on the horizon, Crochet has a golden opportunity to close the gap.
But the real intrigue lies with Lucas Giolito. The veteran right-hander, sitting at 136 innings pitched this season, is just four innings away from triggering a contract clause that could reshape his future. If he reaches 140 innings, his team option for next season becomes a mutual option, granting him free agency. With at least two more starts on the table, Giolito’s wallet—and his career trajectory—could see a major boost.
Early’s emergence, however, is the story stealing the spotlight. His record-tying debut showcased a pitcher with poise beyond his years, and his encore against the A’s will be a litmus test for his readiness to contribute in high-stakes games. As Boston balances its mix of young talent and seasoned arms, the rotation’s newfound depth exposes a shocking truth: the Red Sox may have stumbled upon a pitching formula that could carry them deep into October. With Early’s raw potential, Crochet’s Cy Young chase, and Giolito’s contract milestone in play, Boston’s mound magic is rewriting the narrative of their 2025 season.