More Good News For Connelly Early Ahead Of Opening Day

Fast-Rising left-hander wins camp battle and will start game three in Cincinnati The Red Sox didn’t just settle their final rotation spot - they made a statement about merit, momentum, and who they trust when the lights come on. That statement is Connelly Early. Manager Alex Cora confirmed Tuesday that the 23-year-old left-hander will open the season in Boston’s rotation , slotting in behind Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray to start the third game of the year in Cincinnati.

It’s a full-circle moment for a pitcher who, just a few months ago, was handed the ball in a far more intense setting - Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium . Now, he’s back in a similar position: trusted, tested, and very much in the mix. Early didn’t back into this opportunity.

He earned it. In a spring defined by one of the more competitive rotation battles in camp, Early separated himself with consistency and poise. He allowed just 3 earned runs over 17 innings, struck out 16, and limited opposing hitters to a .

180 average. More importantly, he looked like a pitcher in control - not just of his stuff, but of the moment. That last part matters.