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Connelly Early has become a staple in the Red Sox’ rotation, locking down the No. 5 spot in the rotation. With his start last night, he became Boston' s leader in starts as well.
However, there is one thing that has been a weakness for Early, and that’s his inability to not give up a home run. And at this point, that could come to bite him down the line.
Early truly has been solid
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So far this season, Early is almost a lock for a win at the fifth spot in the rotation as long as the offense does their job. He’s posted a 4-2 record, a 3.33 ERA, 50 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.185 over 54 innings pitched in 10 starts.
Alongside Payton Tolle, Early has given the Sox hope for the future of their rotation for years to come.
Early’s kryptonite
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However, the deep ball is truly his kryptonite. In his 10 starts, he’s given up one or more home runs six times. His HR/9 is 1.5, which is .4 over the league average.
That’s almost 50% more than the average pitcher in the MLB. While it hasn’t been the bane of him yet, continuing this trend could hurt the Sox in a big moment down the line, like the playoffs.
Early’s position in the long run is still safe
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Aside from that one thing though, Early’s position in the rotation is still pretty solid. While he’s technically the worst starter the Sox have, he’s nowhere near out of a job.
That would go to Brayan Bello, who had a moment there where it looked like he would keep his job, but with his recent collapse, his job is all but terminated upon Garrett Crochet’s return.
Hopefully, Crochet returns soon to peak form, so the Sox’ rotation of him, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, Tolle and Early can continue to dominate for the Red Sox.
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