Kyle Harrison Nears Potential Red Sox Debut as Rotation Faces September Questions
Left-hander Kyle Harrison is set to pitch for Triple-A Worcester on Aug. 7, 2025, as speculation grows that he could soon join the Boston Red Sox. The 24-year-old, acquired from San Francisco in the Rafael Devers trade, has been on the brink of a call-up multiple times, and Wednesday’s series finale against Oakland may finally be his chance.
Boston’s rotation has been unsettled during a pivotal playoff push. Richard Fitts is back on the IL with a biceps injury, Walker Buehler has been released, Dustin May has struggled, and rookie Payton Tolle is being carefully managed in his first pro season. With Garrett Crochet and May scheduled for the Sept. 8–9 games, the Red Sox lack a clear option for the Sept. 10 matchup.
That uncertainty has opened the door for Harrison or another Triple-A standout, Connelly Early, to get the call. Harrison, who logged parts of three seasons with the Giants (2023–25) and owns a career 4.48 ERA across 182.2 innings, has pitched to a 3.75 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 50.1 innings this year with Worcester.
Early, Boston’s No. 6 prospect, may be equally strong a candidate. The 2023 fifth-rounder was scratched from his Sept. 7 start and is reportedly “very much in play” for the Oakland finale. After beginning 2024 in High-A, Early has surged through the system and now carries a 2.60 ERA, 132 strikeouts, and a 1.11 WHIP across 100.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Manager Alex Cora has ruled out Tolle as a starter for Sept. 10, though he could be used in relief. Whether Boston turns to Harrison’s big-league experience or Early’s dominant minor-league performance, the Red Sox appear poised to lean on a fresh arm in a crucial September stretch.
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