Boston is handing the first October ball to rookie left-hander Payton Tolle, with the Red Sox set to open their American League Wild Card Series against the Yankees on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.
| Game | Red Sox starter | Yankees starter | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Payton Tolle, LHP | Cam Schlittler, RHP | Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET |
| Game 2 | Sonny Gray, RHP | Max Fried, LHP | Series game two |
| Game 3, if needed | Ranger Suarez, LHP | Gerrit Cole, RHP | Thursday |
Manager Chad Tracy announced Boston’s pitching order Monday afternoon. Tolle, 23, will make the Game 1 start in New York, while Gray—who previously pitched for the Yankees—has been lined up for the second game. Suarez would take the mound in the deciding game should the best-of-three series reach Thursday.
It is a sizable stage for Tolle, but the Red Sox have shown no hesitation in sending their young lefty into the Yankee Stadium atmosphere. The rookie has quickly become a favorite around Boston, pairing a 98 mph fastball and strikeout ability with an outgoing presence that has made him popular in the clubhouse.
Yankees go with Schlittler first
New York weighed using Fried in the opener before settling on Schlittler, the club’s leading Cy Young candidate, for Game 1. Fried, who went 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA, is scheduled to follow in Game 2. Cole is being held for a potential winner-take-all matchup.
Tuesday’s opener is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Boston’s October road begins with a rookie on the mound, and a familiar Bronx opponent waiting in the other dugout.
