Rookie lefthander Connelly Early to open 2026 season in Red Sox rotation as No. 3 starter

Key Points:

• Connelly Early will start the season in the Boston Red Sox rotation after an impressive spring training and strong late-2025 major league performance, including a 2.33 ERA in four regular-season starts and a solid Wild Card Series outing.
• Early is slated to start the third game of the season against the Cincinnati Reds, with manager Alex Cora praising his pitching skills and composure under pressure.
• Johan Oviedo will begin the year as a multi-innings reliever and potential piggyback starter alongside Ranger Suarez, who is gradually increasing his pitch count after limited play in the World Baseball Classic.
• Payton Tolle, despite showing potential in spring training, was not kept on the major league roster to prioritize Early, with the team focusing on long-term development for Tolle in the minors.
• The Red Sox bullpen will include left-handers Aroldis Chapman, Jovani Morán, and Danny Coulombe, with right-handers Garrett Whitlock, Greg Weissert, Justin Slaten, Johan Oviedo, and Rule 5 pick Ryan Watson filling various relief roles.