Red Sox manager Alex Cora might have to get creative with the season on the line.
That’s the reality with veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito sidelined due to an elbow injury. Giolito was left off the team’s American League Wild Card roster before the best-of-three playoff series against the Yankees. Giolito was expected to start either Game 2 or Game 3, but that’s no longer the case.
Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet will start Game 1 against Yankees lefty Max Fried while right-hander Brayan Bello will get the ball in Game 2 opposite left-hander Carlos Rodón.
“We’ll go the first two games, then we’ll decide,” Cora said at Yankee Stadium on Monday before Game 1 on Tuesday night. “Obviously, we have some kids over there who have started lately. But first thing’s first: Crochet, Bello and if we have to make a decision for Game 3, we’ll go from there.”
Here are a few options if the Red Sox and Yankees split the first two games and hold a winner-take-all Game 3:
Connelly Early, LHP
A rookie making his playoff debut at Yankee Stadium? And doing so less than one month after being called up to the big leagues? It would be a nerve-wrecking situation for the Fenway Faithful. But Early feels like the best option for the Red Sox.
He struck out 11 batters in his MLB debut and has displayed a pitch mix that helped him produce like Boston’s fourth-best starter after Crochet, Brayan Bello and Giolito. In four starts, the 23-year-old recorded a 2.33 ERA with 29 strikeouts to four walks in 19.1 innings.
Longtime Red Sox insider and current radio host Tony Massarotti believes Boston should give the ball to Early if a Game 3 presents itself. In fact, Massarotti said he would’ve preferred for Cora to go with Early even if Giolito was healthy.
“I like the idea of throwing a lefty in New York,” Massarotti said.
Crochet complimented Early ahead of the series.
“The pitchability is beyond his years, man,” Crochet said. “It’s really good plus stuff. Five pitches for strikes and the swing and miss component. I think he’ll be a huge bolster to the staff here in the postseason.”
Kyle Harrison, LHP
Harrison is another young left-hander, but has more experience despite also being called up to Boston earlier this month. Harrison, who was traded to the Red Sox in the Rafael Devers deal, recorded a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings in Boston. He struck out 13 batters with five walks in three games (two starts).
Harrison has made 37 starts in the big leagues, including 30 starts for the Giants the last two seasons. He hasn’t pitched in a postseason contest, though.
Bullpen game
Cora’s decision could come down to whether or not Early and/or Harrison were used in Games 1 and 2. If the Red Sox use either or both in relief, there’s a chance Cora will go with a bullpen arm in the starting spot. Heck, even if neither are used in relief Cora still could opt for such strategy.
That’s what Massarotti believes will happen.
“That’s my guess,” Massarotti said. “I hope it’s Early. I hope he goes with Connelly Early and then if he gets in trouble goes to the bullpen. Cora, in that situation, will trust himself. He’ll manage the game with relievers and get through it that way.”
