Connelly Early to Start Red Sox Wild-Card Decider

With Lucas Giolito sidelined by an elbow injury, the Boston Red Sox will turn to 23-year-old Connelly Early to start winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium. Early has four major-league starts (19 1/3 innings), a 2.33 ERA and a high strikeout rate, and his 11-strikeout big-league debut tied a franchise mark. OptaSTATS says he will be the first pitcher to start a winner-take-all postseason game within 30 days of his MLB debut and one of five to start within his first five appearances. The matchup pairs Early against Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler in a famously hostile rivalry setting, and Boston's taxed bullpen and Alex Cora's short hooks have increased the margin for error. Catcher Carlos Narváez, acquired from the Yankees, has become Boston's everyday backstop and has led MLB catchers in caught‑stealing rate while ranking among AL rookies in extra-base hits. Teammates and coaches praise Early's composure and pitchability as Boston relies on him to close out the series.