Payton

Tolle

Crawford added that he’s fully healthy entering spring training after missing last season with knee and wrist issues that ultimately required a mid-summer procedure on his wrist. The 29-year-old figures to transition to a versatile swingman role, likely operating in long relief for the Red Sox next season, but he could be in the mix for one of their final rotation spots along with veterans Johan Oviedo and Patrick Sandoval in addition to top prospects Connelly Early and Payton Tolle.

There is nothing in motion right now, but Speier notes that the Royals have specifically stated that nobody on their roster is “off limits.” The Royals have shown a reluctance to deal veterans Seth Lugo and Michal Wacha, and they have said that Ragans would only be dealt if a “big return” was coming their way. However, the Red Sox have the pieces to put together that kind of return. The Royals are looking for a right-handed outfielder, but also reportedly “won’t be tethered to the notion,” which means the Red Sox could put together an offer that includes Jarren Duran, one of Connelly Early or Payton Tolle, and other prospects in order to acquire Ragans. It’s also possible that the Red Sox might be willing to part with Kristian Campbell, who seems best suited for the outfield, but doesn’t really have a place in Boston right now. This is a situation to monitor.

This isn’t overly surprising, but it is worth noting with Lucas Giolito (elbow) out for this series. The Red Sox will likely turn to Early to start Game 3, if there is one, but both Harrison and Tolle remain options and could also provide bulk relief in Game 2 if Brayan Bello were to struggle.

Tolle topped out at 99.7 mph in his first inning of work, though his velocity in innings two and three was pretty close to where he was a starter. He wound up getting 12 whiffs on 30 swings in 50 pitches. Since it was an extended outing, he certainly won’t be available again before Sunday, if then.

Kyle Harrison will be inserted into Boston’s rotation mix this weekend against the Rays. The decision doesn’t come as a total surprise since the Red Sox are prioritizing limiting Tolle’s workload down the home stretch in an effort to keep him healthy for the future. The 22-year-old southpaw has already eclipsed 100 innings in his professional debut after throwing just a shade over 80 last year in his final collegiate campaign. The move puts a damper on his immediate fantasy appeal, but it’s probably the right move for his future.

Tolle is an option for Red Sox manager Alex Cora out of the bullpen for at least the first two games of the mid-week series against the Athletics. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect figures to take the ball at some point this weekend during a critical three-game series against the division-rival Rays, but that isn’t official yet.

Fellow top pitching prospect Payton Tolle will have his next start pushed back a couple days as the Red Sox prioritize innings from their big three veteran starters Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello down the home stretch. Early was extremely impressive in his big-league debut last week when he struck out 11 over five shutout frames against the Athletics. He’s worthy of a speculative pickup in all fantasy formats.

The Red Sox said before the game that Tolle, pitching on four days’ rest of the first time, would go just once around the lineup today, and that’s what happened. Unfortunately, he gave up homers to Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz along the way. Tolle could make his next start Tuesday against the A’s, but Connelly Early might be Boston’s choice instead. Since the Red Sox have Thursday and Monday off, perhaps Tolle could make a relief appearance before starting again,

Cora added that Tolle will be on a limited pitch count as he makes his first-ever professional start on just four days of rest. The decision eliminates some of the 22-year-old rookie southpaw’s realistic fantasy upside, but he’s still an intriguing gamble, even in shallow mixed leagues, based solely on his strikeout potential. It sounds like lefty Kyle Harrison is coming up from Triple-A Worcester to gobble up some innings once Tolle maxes out his pitch count.

Harrison was a potential option to start for the Red Sox last week, but an ankle injury kept him off the mound. The 24-year-old threw just 26 pitches on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits but striking out two. The Red Sox want to keep him as a potential option for innings on Wednesday against the Athletics, where he could form a bullpen game with fellow left-hander Payton Tolle.