The Red Sox came up with a huge win on Wednesday against the A’s at home, and the fact that beating the AL’s itinerant Westerners at Fenway is a big deal these days is a good indication of what a grind it’s been for a struggling Boston team in recent days. But a good bit of hitting by Nick Sogard in the 10th inning and an empty-the-pen performance from the pitching staff got a win that keeps the Red Sox tied with the Astros/Mariners in the wild-card race.
It also keeps them 2.5 games ahead of the hard-charging Guardians, who have won 11 of their last 12 games. There are now just 10 games to be played for the Sox.
There is not much of a margin of error for Boston, and as such, the Red Sox can’t really afford learn-on-the-job seminars here as mid-September turns to late September. That’s why on Wednesday, manager Alex Cora said the team would be moving top pitching prospect Payton Tolle to the bullpen for the remainder of the year.
Payton Tolle Struggled Last 2 Outings
Tolle provided a jolt for the Red Sox in his debut against the Pirates back on August 29. He went 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks, with eight strikeouts. His last two outings have been starkly different, though–he has given up seven earned runs in 5.0 innings.
Given his lack of experience, as a second-round pick just one year ago, the Red Sox can’t gamble on Tolle’s effectiveness from here in. While fellow pitching prospect Connelly Early will stay on as the fourth starter, lefty Kyle Harrison–acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade–will be No. 5.
It’s a risk for the Red Sox to try Tolle out of the bullpen, but given his hard-throwing style, he could be a fit.
“We decided it’s going to be Harrison, and there’s no more starts, so we’ll put him in the bullpen and see where it takes us,” said Cora. “I think stuff-wise, he can do it. It’s just also making sure he’s healthy, he can bounce back and all that stuff.”
Red Sox Going With Kyle Harrison
Harrison will start on Saturday against the Rays. He got his first action with the Red Sox on September 10, when he shut down the A’s over 3.0 innings, allowing three hits with two strikeouts. He was 1-1 with a 4.56 ERA in San Francisco before the trade, but the Red Sox were patient with him, sending him to the minors to get straightened out.
Harrison was 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 12 starts for Triple-A Worcester this season.
As for Tolle, he said he is looking forward to the bullpen challenge. For a Red Sox relief crew that has struggled with righties lately, he could be a good fit.
“It’ll be a little bit different, but I think that’s the beauty of it too,” Tolle said. “Getting up every game to be ready to pitch, ready to compete — that’s exciting to me.”
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