Red Sox Rookie Reacts To Being Named Game 3 Starter Vs. Yankees
Connelly Early wasn’t even supposed to pitch in the big leagues this season. Now, the rookie is preparing to start the most important Red Sox game in four years.
Following Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Yankees, Boston manager Alex Cora revealed that Early would start Thursday’s decisive Game 3 in New York. Early, who was promoted ahead of schedule in September due to a rash of injuries, will fill in for Lucas Giolito, who’ll miss the entire playoffs due to an elbow issue.
The 23-year-old lefty offered his thoughts on the upcoming start, which carries historical significance.
“It’s gonna be really fun,” Early, a fifth-round pick in 2023, told reporters after Wednesday night’s loss. “You know, it’s 1-1 now, so it comes down to this game, and I’m excited to get out there.”
Early added: “I’m super excited about it. Really good feeling. Just ready to get out there. Gotta go out there and trust my stuff. … Every pitch matters. So, really competitive games and competitive ABs — so, just gotta go out there and do my thing.”
Early will square off against Yankees righty Cam Schittler, himself a rookie making his first postseason start.
In four September starts, Early went 1-2 while posting a 2.33 ERA and a 1.086 WHIP while striking out 29 and walking four across 19 1/3 innings. He showed impressive poise on the mound and command of the strike zone, but Thursday’s stage will present a significant increase in pressure and difficulty.