Red-Sox Debutante Connelly Early Strikes Out 11, Matches Record Held by Fred Peralta

BOSTON (247SPORTS) – In a remarkable MLB debut on Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox’s Connelly Early became the first pitcher since 2018 to strike out at least 11 in his debut and the 17th in MLB history to accomplish the feat.

Early became the first pitcher since Freddy Peralta in 2018 – and just the 17th in MLB history – to strike out at least 11 in his MLB debut. That’s incredibly impressive, and it’s worth noting that there aren’t a ton of flukes on that list.”

Among those on the list are hall of famers Juan Marichal and Luis Tiant, as well as more recently Tim Hudson, Stephen Strasburg, and Matt Harvey.

Early’s Impressive Stat Line

• Six innings pitched
• Four hits allowed
• One earned run
• Zero walks
• Sixteen swinging strikes
• Seventy-eight pitches thrown (54 strikes)

What Makes Early SoSpecial?

Early’s ability to generate swings and misses with all four of his pitches – sinker, slider, changeup, and curveball – contributed to his outstanding debut. fouls per 9 innings, but with the way he’s thrown, I don’t think there’s much to suggest he’s a long-term answer in the Red Sox outfield. He does, however, have a contact-heavy approach leading to a .303 expected batting average and enough speed to be a useful source of steals in Roto leagues.

What’s Next for Connelly Early?

The Red Sox have some decisions to make regarding their rotation, but Early’s impressive debut may have forced their hand. With a 2.83 ERA and 31% strikeout rate at Triple-A this season, there doesn’t seem to be much development left for the 24-year-old left-hander. Early and fellow rookie southpaw Payton Tolle are both strong candidates to stick around in the Red Sox rotation for the rest of the season, with two potential starts each next week against the Athletics and a middling lineup.

Early is a big developmental win for the Red Sox along with Tolle, and I don’t see much reason why they won’t ride with both in the rotation the rest of the way. That might only amount to a couple more starts, but that could include two starts next week.

Wednesday’s Top Waiver-Wire Targets

Daylen Hile, OF, Washington Nationals (15%)

A surprise breakout hitter for the Nationals, Hile has a .339 batting average since August 1 with three homers and four steals. His underlying numbers support his success, with a .303 expected batting average, making him an intriguing Roto option for the remainder of the season.

Moises Ballesteros, C, Chicago Cubs (12%)

Called up to replace outfielder Kyle Tucker, Ballesteros is a top prospect with a career .303/.369/.466 batting line at Triple-A. With Carson Kelly now showing signs of life, Ballesteros’ playing time may be limited, but he could still provide unexpected value in shallow leagues.

Shawn Armstrong, RP, Texas Rangers (20%)

With eight saves in his last three weeks, Armstrong has solidified his role as the Rangers closer. His 2.51 ERA and 1.12 WHIP make him a valuable Fantasy option in saves leagues.

Joey Cantillo, SP, Cleveland Guardians (14%)

Cantillo has been on a nice run, allowing just three runs in his past four starts with a 10.3 K/9 rate and a 3.36 ERA. His next start against the lowly Detroit Tigers could make him an attractive streaming option.

Monday’s Standouts

Ranger Suarez, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Suarez continued his strong finish to the season with seven strikeouts in six innings, lowering his ERA to 3.38. He’s a must-add in Fantasy leagues if he’s available.

Matt Harvey, SP, Cincinnati Reds

Harvey had a solid outing with six strikeouts in six innings, but his 4.72 ERA and 1.37 WHIP make him a risky Fantasy option.

Did you know?

Connelly Early’s debut was just the second time in MLB history a pitcher has struck out 11 or more batters in his first start while walking none. The other occasion was in 1984, when Pat Clements of the Chicago Cubs accomplished the feat.

Fantasy rankings and power rankings courtesy of CBS Sports.

This article was tagged with: Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, Connelly Early, Freddy Peralta, Stephen Strasburg, Matt Harvey, Daylen Hile, Moises Ballesteros, Shawn Armstrong, Joey Cantillo, Ranger Suarez.