Full Breakdown
Red Sox Place Connelly Early on Injured List, Assess Rotation Alternatives
7/2/2026, 4:35:36 AM
Early’s IL Placement and Immediate Impact
On July 1, 2026 the Boston Red Sox moved left-handed starter Connelly Early to the 15-day injured list (IL) after he left a June 30 start against the Washington Nationals with left elbow inflammation. An MRI confirmed posterior elbow inflammation but no structural damage. Early had thrown 61 pitches over four innings, recording five strikeouts and allowing no runs. The move created an immediate vacancy in the rotation ahead of a weekend series in Anaheim and the upcoming All-Star break.
Injury Context and Upcoming Schedule
Boston’s rotation has been hit repeatedly this season, with Garrett Crochet, Kutter Crawford, Johan Oviedo and others already on the IL. The Red Sox have off-days on July 2 and July 6, followed by the All-Star break (July 13-16). Their next scheduled start for Early would have been July 11, giving the club a narrow window to fill his spot for the Angels, White Sox and Mets series.
Key Numbers
- Connelly Early: 7-5 record, 3.44 ERA, 93 strikeouts, 34 walks in 91 2/3 IP (some reports list an 8-7 record and 3.24 ERA).
- Patrick Sandoval (rehab): 2.70 ERA, 11 strikeouts, 5 walks in 13 1/3 IP across five Double-A/Triple-A outings; final rehab start scheduled for the weekend.
- Brayan Bello (Triple-A Worcester): 3.95 ERA, 16 strikeouts, 4 walks in 13 2/3 IP since demotion.
Potential Rotation Fill-Ins
The Red Sox identified two primary candidates: left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who signed a two-year, $18.25 million deal after Tommy John surgery and is nearing the end of a 30-day rehab window; and right-hander Brayan Bello, who is currently pitching for Worcester and posted a sub-4.00 ERA in Triple-A. Sandoval has no minor-league options and must be activated, traded, or released once his rehab clock expires. Bello remains on the club’s depth chart and could receive a call-up, though Tracy indicated he is not the preferred immediate option. Additional roster moves included activating left-hander Jovani Moran, recalling left-hander Alec Gamboa, designating reliever Tommy Kahnle for assignment, and trading for infielder Brett Harris from the Athletics for minor-league pitcher Ben Hansen to shore up infield depth.
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy emphasized caution, noting that with only one start left before the All-Star break it was “an easy decision to make sure we take that out of his hands and do right by him.” Early himself said he was “not too concerned” pending imaging results. The organization highlighted the hope that Early’s inflammation would resolve quickly, allowing a return around the 15-day minimum.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts flagged the Red Sox’s dwindling rotation depth and the risk of relying on a pitcher who has not appeared in the majors since 2024. Some observers suggested that showcasing Sandoval in a major-league start could increase his trade value before the deadline, potentially leaving Boston with limited long-term options.
On-the-Ground Player Comments
Early reported feeling “a little sore” after the fourth inning and expressed confidence in his mechanics, stating, “I thought I was throwing the ball really well.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Early’s season record (7-5 vs. 8-7) and ERA (3.44 vs. 3.24). The exact timeline for Sandoval’s final rehab start varies between a Saturday start and a weekend window, and no definitive activation date for Early has been announced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s feeling a little better today but it’s still sore, with one more start remaining prior to the All-Star break,” — Chad Tracy, Interim Manager
- “I'm personally not too concerned, as of right now,” — Connelly Early, Pitcher
- “It’s not like ‘Oh, he’s not going to be here again’; there’s all kinds of things you can do with the rotation leading into the break,” — Chad Tracy, Interim Manager
- “Obviously want to be cautious about things,” — Connelly Early, Pitcher
What’s Next
Boston will evaluate Sandoval’s final rehab outing this weekend and decide whether to activate him or promote Bello. Early is eligible to return on July 16, one day before the Red Sox resume play after the All-Star break. Roster flexibility will remain a priority as the club navigates the final stretch toward the wild-card race.
