Red Sox Rookie Connelly Early Strikes Out 11 in MLB Debut
UPDATE: In a stunning MLB debut, Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early struck out an impressive 11 batters in just five shutout innings as Boston defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-0 on July 18, 2023. This performance marks a historic moment for Early, who was called up from Triple-A Worcester earlier that day.
Early, just 23 years old, achieved a remarkable feat by tying the record for the most strikeouts in a major league debut for the Red Sox, matching Don Aase’s record from 1977. He became the fifth pitcher since 2000 to strike out at least 10 batters without allowing a run in his debut, joining the ranks of notable pitchers such as Freddy Peralta and Matt Harvey.
The young star’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of impressive. He had previously posted a record of 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings at Triple-A Worcester this season. Early also shined at Double-A Portland, boasting a 7-2 record with a 2.51 ERA and an outstanding 96 strikeouts in just 71 2/3 innings.
His debut came in the wake of Dustin May being placed on the injured list due to elbow issues, which made Early’s start even more crucial for the Red Sox. May’s injury, retroactive to July 16, 2023, has raised concerns for the Boston pitching rotation, as he recorded a 5.40 ERA over his time with the team.
In addition to Early’s success, the Red Sox announced they have recalled infielder Vaughn Grissom from Triple-A Worcester, but he was immediately placed on the 60-day IL with plantar fasciitis, adding to the team’s challenges.
As the Red Sox continue their campaign, all eyes will be on Early to see if he can replicate this level of performance in future outings. Fans are buzzing with excitement as Boston seeks to maintain momentum in the competitive AL East.
This compelling performance not only highlights Early’s potential but also raises hopes for the Red Sox lineup, which seeks to overcome recent setbacks. Sports analysts and fans alike will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding both Early and May in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Red Sox navigate through this pivotal season, with Early’s debut marking a hopeful turning point.
