Multiple reports say Red Sox top prospect Payton Tolle is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Worcester and start Thursday against the Yankees in his 2026 season debut.
The Red Sox are lining up top pitching prospect Payton Tolle for a start against the Yankees on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Tolle is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Worcester and make his 2026 season debut in New York. The move would fill a rotation opening created by Sonny Gray's injury.
MLB.com described Tolle as the clear front-runner to replace Gray, while CBS Sports reported that Boston will bring him up to start Thursday night's game against the Yankees. Earlier reporting also pointed to Gray's injury as the reason Tolle was in position to return to the major league rotation.
Tolle has been pitching for Worcester this season and has been viewed as one of Boston's top young arms. MLB.com's prospect coverage has projected him to factor into the Red Sox rotation in 2026.
If the assignment holds, Thursday will mark Tolle's first MLB start of the 2026 season, and it will come in one of baseball's most watched matchups.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.