After an impressive MLB debut at Fenway Park on August 29—where he thrilled fans by striking out eight over 5.1 innings and allowing just two runs against the Pirates—top Red Sox pitching prospect Payton Tolle has shown more typical rookie struggles in his last two outings. He was roughed up by the Diamondbacks on the road, surrendering five runs in just three innings, and followed that with a piggyback start last week against the A’s, allowing two runs over two innings.
Tolle now holds an MLB record of 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA, and as a result, the Red Sox have decided to ease back on his workload for the time being.
In announcing their upcoming pitching rotation, the team revealed that fellow top prospect Connelly Early will get another opportunity—this time with a start at home on Tuesday—while veterans Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello will be moved up in the rotation.
As the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier reported, “Red Sox announce their rotation against the A’s: Early, Giolito, Bello. They’re skipping Tolle and having Giolito and Bello pitch on four days’ rest.”
Payton Tolle Pitched Career-High Innings
Naturally, four days of rest is standard for both Giolito and Bello, so by keeping them on their regular schedule, the Red Sox are not only maintaining their rhythm but also creating an opportunity to ease off Tolle. The team has been cautious with Tolle’s workload all season—he was consistently used on a six-day schedule during his time in the minors.
A second-round pick in 2024, Tolle hasn’t logged heavy innings in his young career. His previous high was 85.2 innings at Wichita State in 2023. He transferred to Texas Christian for the 2024 season and didn’t pitch in the Red Sox system after college that year.
Now at 101.2 innings in 2025—a new career high that spans from High-A all the way to the majors—Tolle’s workload has significantly increased. The Red Sox are clearly looking to protect the arm of one of their most promising young pitchers.
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