Connelly Early’s struggles could put his Red Sox future under the microscope sooner than expected
· Yahoo Sports
Connelly Early’s struggles could put his Red Sox future under the microscope sooner than expected originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Boston Red Sox called up Connelly Early last season, it seemed like they had a star in the making in their rotation for years to come. Starting this season, it looked like that vision was coming true.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.org for more information.
However, he did have one piece of kryptonite, and that was shown in 4K in last night’s loss to the Texas Rangers. With that in mind, it might be time to take a hard look at Early while he still has a lot of value.
Early has had one kryptonite all season
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
While Early was solid through his first 10 starts, he did have one problem: a pension for giving up the home run ball. He had given up one or more home runs six times throughout the 10 games, and had a 1.5 HR/9, which was almost 50% over the league average.
His last four starts have not been so kind to him either. In three of the four, he’s given up at least one homer, and two of them he gave up two.
Last night’s blowup could call for a red alert
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Last night against the Rangers was a two home run night. He pitched 4.2 innings, gave up six runs, two home runs, walked two batters,s and only struck out three.
Because of last night as well, Early just made some unpleasant history for himself: In only one of his first 16 outings did he give up four or more runs. Now he’s done it in two of his past three.
Also because of those home run blasts, his HR/9 has risen again to 1.7. He’s getting dangerously close to two, and if that happens it may be hard to keep him in the rotation, especially with the state of Boston’s offense.
What Boston needs to consider
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
As noted by the media, it seems Early has hit a rookie wall. He went from a 5-2 record and a sub-3.00 ERA, to a 5-5 record and 3.81 ERA along with a 4.99 FIP in just three games.
With that in mind, Early’s future with Boston needs to be taken into consideration. First thing they should do is to try and work with him through the wall, as his ceiling has been seen, and it shows he can be a solid starting pitcher.
However, if he continues down this path, the Red Sox may need to think about dealing him to a pitching-starved team while his value is still good.
MORE MLB NEWS
Red Sox cannot afford to trade Willson Contreras after his shocking offensive resurgence
Red Sox’s outfield dilemma could become trade opportunity with Phillies at deadline
Bo Bichette’s declining value could give Red Sox chance to land perfect offensive fit