Connelly Early Placed On Injured List, Red Sox Make Multiple Moves

[Nick John]

The Boston Red Sox made multiple roster moves pertaining to their pitching staff following the conclusion of an 8-1 loss to the Washington Nationals. The major news is the loss of Connelly Early. The left-hander exited Tuesday night’s start after just four innings and 61 pitches with left elbow discomfort.

While Early himself didn’t seem too worried about the injury, the team sent him for imaging Wednesday morning just to be certain. The result led to Early being placed on the 15-day Injured List with left elbow inflammation.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Red Sox activated left-handed pitcher Jovani Morán from the injured list and added him to the active roster. The left-hander was a trusted arm in the Sox bullpen prior to his injury, appearing in 21 games and tossing 33 innings with a 3.00 ERA. He also struck out 38 batters. Morán made two rehab appearances last week with Worcester and looked ready to return to Boston after tossing three scoreless innings.

The other change in the pitching staff pertains to Tommy Kahnle. The 36-year-old reliever was designated for assignment after a tough stint in the bullpen. Kahnle signed a minor-league deal with Boston near the end of spring training and pitched well there, leading to the team adding him to the active roster following the activation of his opt out clause. Since then, the right-hander made eight appearances in Boston and pitched nine innings while allowing eight runs on 12 hits and six walks.

To replace Kahnle on the active roster, the Red Sox recalled Alec Gamboa. This will be Gamboa’s third stint with the team, having pitched twice for them previously. Overall, he’s tossed 1 2/3 innings out of the bullpen and struck out three. He’s spent most of the season with Worcester, where he’s tossed 17 2/3 innings out of the bullpen while allowing just two earned runs.

The Red Sox look to close out their homestand with a win today against the Nationals at 1:35pm.

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[moonslav59]

Just what we needed!

I guess he wont be getting the 180 IP he was on pace for.

[Nick John]

5 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Just what we needed!

I guess he wont be getting the 180 IP he was on pace for.

Probably not. Though so long as it doesn't turn into a major injury maybe it works out for Early. He could use some rest after all the innings he's thrown so far this year.

People think Sandoval will take his place in the rotation but I honestly think they'll have Bello start before they give the rotation spot to Sandoval. 

[moonslav59]

Just now, Nick John said:

Probably not. Though so long as it doesn't turn into a major injury maybe it works out for Early. He could use some rest after all the innings he's thrown so far this year.

People think Sandoval will take his place in the rotation but I honestly think they'll have Bello start before they give the rotation spot to Sandoval. 

I seriously doubt the plan was for Early to pitch 180 IP in 2026. I would not be surprised if they planned on giving him a break, at some point. Taking time off now, and then the ASB could have been planned.

I'm not sure who I'd give the Early starts to: Bello or Sandoval. There really are no other options other than using an opener.

I was hoping Sandoval might help the pen. Bello did well as a non starter, but it might mess up his mind by making him a RP'er, now.

[JoeBrady]

1 hour ago, Nick John said:

Probably not. Though so long as it doesn't turn into a major injury maybe it works out for Early. He could use some rest after all the innings he's thrown so far this year.

I had that in the back of my mind.  If you're watching his innings, this is as good a time as any to sit him for two weeks.  And you have two days off between now and the AS break.  It might make some sense to juggle the rotation to give Tolle and/or Bennett a day off.