Red Sox weighing rotation shakeup as Harrison possibility surfaces
The Boston Red Sox have yet to name a replacement for Walker Buehler in the starting rotation, and a minor-league development could point to the answer.
Chris Murphy is slated to start for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday afternoon. WEEI’s Joe Weil noted that Kyle Harrison was initially scheduled to take the mound for the WooSox, though it isn’t clear if that plan remains in place or if it was altered in connection with a potential call-up.
As of now, Boston has not announced a Monday starter for the game against the Baltimore Orioles. It remains to be seen whether Harrison’s availability is tied to any upcoming transaction.
Harrison arrived in Boston as part of the four-player package the Red Sox sent to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for star slugger Rafael Devers. The 24-year-old left-hander owns a 3.69 ERA in 10 starts with Worcester since the deal. By comparison, his major league track record with the Giants includes a 4.48 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP across 182 2/3 innings. He had flashed some momentum with three consecutive scoreless outings for Worcester before giving up seven hits and three runs in his most recent outing.
Command has been a recurring issue for Harrison, as he has issued 25 walks in 46 1/3 innings in the Red Sox system. MLB.com’s Ian Browne relayed a not-so-flattering assessment from Red Sox manager Alex Cora: “Hit or miss, to be honest with you. Not efficient, but good stuff. He’s part of the equation, so we’ll decide what we’re gonna do later on.”
Boston moved Buehler out of the rotation after a 5.40 ERA through 22 appearances, shifting the former Dodgers ace to the bullpen and clearing a vacancy behind a group that includes Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Dustin May.
Some fans might want top prospect Payton Tolle to get the nod, but the 22-year-old isn’t an option for Monday after delivering five stellar innings of one-hit ball on Friday.
For now, the Red Sox have kept Harrison’s availability as an option by sidelining him on Sunday, leaving the door open for a Monday decision.
What to watch
– Whether Harrison is recalled to start or if another pitcher is selected for Monday’s game.
– How Harrison’s command and efficiency trend in the coming days.
– Whether the club sticks with its current rotation or explores further moves.
Summary: With Buehler moved to the bullpen, Boston is weighing rotation options, with Harrison and Worcester’s performance in focus as a possible path back to the big league club.
Editor’s take: The Sox are balancing short-term needs with longer-term development. If Harrison can reclaim his feel for the strike zone and command, he could become a meaningful depth piece or potential long-term option in a reshaped rotation. The coming days will reveal whether the organization prioritizes immediate help or continued development in Worcester. Positive outlook hinges on improved control translating into consistent big-league success.